A toddler’s accidental drop of her baby sister in Colorado has turned into a pivotal moment that led to a potentially lifesaving diagnosis. On September 20, 2024, Jewel, 27, was managing daily tasks at home with her two daughters when her eldest, Harper, then just four years old, inadvertently dropped her four-month-old sister, Hazel. This event set off a chain of medical evaluations that ultimately revealed serious health issues.
Jewel described the incident as terrifying. She said, “Hazel was lying on her floor mat when I went to grab laundry out of the dryer. We lived in a small apartment, so I was less than 15 feet away from Hazel. Harper was kneeling on the floor next to Hazel and attempted to pick her up to put Hazel in her lap. Before I could stop her, Harper got her approximately 12 inches off the ground and then lost her grip.” After the drop, concerned parents performed their own assessment but decided it was best to seek medical attention.
Upon arrival at the hospital, Hazel underwent an MRI scan and a full-body X-ray, both of which appeared clear. However, just before discharge, a nurse observed concerning readings of Hazel’s oxygen levels, which were “dangerously low.” This prompted further checks, confirming the urgency of the situation. Jewel recalled her anxiety, stating, “I was confused because, at first, the nurse excused the low oxygen as a faulty monitor reading.”
Following these discoveries, Hazel was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, where she remained for a week. Over the next several months, she frequently visited the hospital, especially during instances of illness, as colds consistently progressed to pneumonia. Medical professionals struggled to diagnose her condition, initially suspecting childhood interstitial lung disease. It took until March 2025 for a detailed brain MRI to reveal the true cause: a stroke that Hazel had suffered while in utero.
Jewel expressed her shock at the diagnosis, saying, “I was dumbfounded and angry. I had a lot of issues during the pregnancy, but none of my scans or wellness checks showed issues with Hazel.” The stroke has resulted in expected long-term restrictions for Hazel, but Jewel remains hopeful that early diagnosis can mitigate some challenges. Reflecting on the incident, she now views the accident as a “loving accident” that may have saved her daughter’s life.
Doctors informed the family that without the hospital visit prompted by Harper’s drop, they “would have lost Hazel” shortly after. Jewel has since taken to social media to document Hazel’s journey, sharing updates on the little girl’s progress and raising awareness about her conditions. Her TikTok account, under the handle @hazelsheroeshomebase, has gained significant traction, with one post about the September incident amassing over 3.3 million views and more than 130,100 likes.
Jewel also shared insights into the sisters’ relationship. “Harper still calls Hazel ‘her baby,’ and they have a fun, loving relationship filled with lots of laughter, snuggles, and silliness,” she noted. The family’s story has resonated with many, leading to the adoption of the phrase “Hazel’s Heroes” by their community to describe the support network surrounding them during this challenging time.
As Hazel continues to progress, Jewel emphasizes the importance of awareness and education surrounding childhood health issues. Her journey has turned into a source of inspiration for others, showcasing the resilience and strength of both mother and daughter in the face of adversity.
