Proud Patient Champion for the Meaningful Miles Challenge!
I am a Champion for all kids!
Please consider donating to my page!
Meet Sofia
Hometown: Powell, Ohio
Age: 10 years old
Diagnosis: Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP)
Sofia spent July 4th, 2019 biking, swimming, tossing water balloons, devouring s'mores and watching fireworks. It was no surprise when Sofia complained of a tummy ache that evening. After all, she had consumed a ton of sweets! Sofia was given a glass of water, tucked into bed and assured she would feel better in the morning. The next day, Sofia did not feel any better. To be safe, her parents scheduled an appointment with the doctor. Her pediatrician ran a strep and urinalysis test, both came back normal. Her pediatrician did say to keep an eye on her appendix.
Sofia’s stomachache persisted, so her parents took her to a nearby emergency room. An X-ray pointed to possible gas and eliminated any issues related to her appendix…. there was relief! However, on day three, Sofia was lethargic, vomiting and suddenly could no longer walk. She stood up and could not move her legs. Her mom noticed that her kneecaps were the size of baseballs. A trip Nationwide Close to Home in Lewis Center revealed a diagnosis of Henoch-Schoenlein Purpura (HSP). The doctors noticed two very small dots on the bottom of her leg, which her parents assumed were mosquito bites. These dots were in fact the start of a very distinctive rash that accompanies HSP.
HSP is a disorder that causes the small blood vessels in your skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys to become inflamed and bleed. In some cases, long term kidney damage. HSP produces very painful episodes and as a result, Sofia returned to the emergency room on multiple occasions before being admitted to the hospital. After being discharged a few days later, Sofia was still in pain with major swelling in her head/chest and vomiting blood, so she went to her doctor. Thankfully, her pediatrician, Dr. Bar-Lev, advised her family to return to the emergency room and soon she was back in the hospital. Sofa was released days later and spent the past 12 months under observation of her kidneys. This July, she received a clean bill of health!
Sofia’s mom, Ashley, says, “Nationwide Children's is the place you need when you are encountering illness. When under their care, I rest knowing my children are in excellent hands. From the hospital greeter, the volunteers, nurses and doctors, each one is so patient and so kind. Columbus is extremely fortunate to have Nationwide Children’s in our backyards!”
Sofia is currently ten years old and enjoys music, singing, crafts and socializing with friends and family. Sofia participates in Girl Scouts, drama team and running club. She would love to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
We know Sofia’s sweet soul and gentle heart will inspire everyone participating in the Meaningful Miles challenge to do the best they can!
Achievements
$500 Fundraising Level
Raised $500
Personal Progress:
of Goal
$655
Raised
$1,000.00
Fundraising Honor Roll
KEMBA Financial Match
$265
Marc Wigler
$100
Gaby Wigler
$75
Sofia's sisters
$50
Gasparro's
$40
Tag Wilkerson
$25
Gigi and Papa
$25
Marko Vukovic
$25
Stephen F Revard
$25
KCP
$25