A seemingly innocent accident involving a toddler has led to a lifesaving discovery for her baby sister. On September 20, 2024, in Colorado, Jewel, 27, was caring for her two daughters when her four-year-old daughter, Harper, accidentally dropped her four-month-old sister, Hazel. While at first, the family feared for Hazel’s immediate safety, the incident ultimately revealed a serious health condition that may have otherwise gone undetected.
According to Jewel, she was just a short distance away, less than 15 feet, when the accident occurred. “Harper was kneeling next to Hazel and attempted to lift her into her lap. Before I could stop her, Harper lost her grip, and Hazel fell,” Jewel recounted. In response, Jewel and her husband conducted a quick assessment and, although Hazel appeared unharmed, they decided to take her to the hospital as a precaution.
At the hospital, Hazel underwent an MRI scan and a full-body X-ray, both of which came back clear. Just before discharge, however, a nurse noticed that Hazel’s oxygen levels were alarmingly low. Initially dismissing it as a faulty reading, the medical team confirmed the issue after several checks. Jewel expressed her distress, stating, “I was extremely anxious and worried.”
Hazel was swiftly admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, where she remained for a week. Over the next eight months, she faced multiple hospital visits due to recurring pneumonia triggered by common colds. Doctors struggled to identify the underlying cause of her health issues, with initial suspicions pointing towards childhood interstitial lung disease.
In March 2025, after a detailed brain MRI, the doctors reached a shocking diagnosis. Hazel had suffered a stroke while in utero, resulting in several debilitating conditions. Jewel described her reaction: “I was dumbfounded and angry. None of my scans or wellness checks showed issues with Hazel.”
The early diagnosis has given Jewel hope that Hazel will face only minimal setbacks as she grows. Jewel believes that had Harper not dropped Hazel, the stroke and its consequences might have gone unnoticed, putting her life at risk. Reflecting on the incident, Jewel now views it as a “loving accident” that ultimately saved her daughter’s life.
Had the family not sought medical attention that night, doctors indicated they “would have lost Hazel” shortly after. Jewel has since taken to social media, sharing Hazel’s journey on TikTok under the handle @hazelsheroeshomebase. This platform not only provided a supportive community but also helped raise awareness about Hazel’s condition. A post detailing the events of that fateful September night has garnered over 3.3 million views and more than 130,100 likes.
Jewel noted that Harper continues to refer to Hazel as “her baby,” and their relationship is filled with affection, laughter, and playfulness. The family’s story has resonated with nearly 100,000 followers online, who have embraced the phrase “Hazel’s Heroes” to describe their support network during this challenging time.
Jewel’s experience underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt medical attention, illustrating how a seemingly minor incident can lead to significant health revelations. For families facing similar health concerns, the journey of Hazel and her family serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration.
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