I was diagnosed at the age of 16, in the emergency room, as my arm bled into my IV line. My platelets were at 30,000 instead of the normal range of 150,000-450,000. My antibodies are viciously killing my platelets, leaving me able to bleed to death at any minute. I am 19 now, and I have been hospitalized for rescue treatment three times. I have taken all the steps cancer patients have taken. Chemo is my next step because my rescue treatment is starting to fail.
We don’t know how I developed this chronic illness. And as of right now, there is no cure.
I suffered through my last two years of high school, and now I am fighting in my second year of college. Since my diagnosis three years ago, I have held major fundraisers including a 5k walk in my hometown that raised $15,000 that went straight to research.
My bruising is hard to cover and hide from the public eye. But it’s necessary due to the assumptions of abuse. My disease is invisible. My bruises are not.
I have quit my love of sports for fear of internal bleeding. My passion for modeling has become difficult due to my visible bruises that make up cannot always cover. We aren’t sure what’s next to come, but I will keep fighting! My community has been a great support system for me. My family and boyfriend have always been here for me and help me stay focused on my fight with ITP.
I have decided not to let my disease hold me back. I am double majoring in Middle Eastern studies and archaeology. I plan to visit the Middle East in the future! To start off my traveling, I visited Atlantis, Bahamas this past October for my first trip out of the country!
It’s safe to say I am fighting like a girl and plan to win. 🙂
Kelly
Maryland
Submitted 12/01/2014
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Bonjour Kelly,
What a fun loving picture the dolphin seems to be smiling ! You seem at peace at this very moment, I wonder what you were thinking about ? Cute picture !!! Lucky you to experience that , wow !
Anyone who is capable of handling and cuddling a dolphin as you show in your picture , has the love of life in her , no matter what your disease cause you to feel on some days , remember you have the disease “BUT” it does not have you !
I have never seen so much love between a dolphin and human , they know when a person is special , honest and mostly caring ! So to you Kelly the “Fighter ” the ” Winner ” , I wish you a very Happy , Healthy Christmas for you and your boyfriend , family , all who are with you through thick and thin !!
With love from Québec Canada,
Brigitte Estelle xx ☆