10/29/2026
Meet Hazel 🤍
Hazel’s fight began the moment she entered the world. Born at just 24 weeks and weighing only 13.2 ounces, she developed a life-threatening intestinal disease called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and was flown by helicopter to Children’s Mercy for emergency surgery.
Her journey continued as she battled bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease that eventually required a tracheostomy. Hazel spent 378 days in the NICU, surrounded by a team providing the specialized care she needed to survive and grow.
During her stay, Hazel also participated in Children’s Mercy research focused on improving the treatment and prevention of conditions like NEC and BPD — research her family hopes will give other premature babies a better chance.
Today, Hazel’s story is one of resilience, hope and the power of expert care and groundbreaking research.
Only THREE days remain for you to be a part of making a difference! Stop by through October 31st and add a 6 count bag of cookies to your order 🍪