Haley Hodgen is a 26-year-old young woman in need of a life-saving multi-visceral transplant (five organs). In September 2014 Haley underwent emergency surgery at IU University Hospital in IN after a blood clot in her abdomen destroyed 18 feet of her small intestine. This left her with only 105 cm to absorb fluid and nutrients for nourishment. Haley was later diagnosed with Myeloproliferative Disorder (MPD). MPD is a disease of the bone marrow which causes production of too many blood cells, resulting in blood clots and affects approximately about five in a million people. Haley has been told that her only chance at a healthy life is to have this transplant.
Haley grew up on Big Long Lake in Northeast Indiana and graduated from Prairie Heights High School in 2007. She attended Indiana University Bloomington and after graduation began her graphic design career in Indianapolis. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, exploring the outdoors, running and visiting Big Long Lake in summer.
Updates (8)
October 25, 2015
Hi friends!
For those who haven't heard, Haley was released from the hospital on October 9th and we could not be more excited. She is living in a hotel near the hospital and will stay there for a few weeks until she signs a new lease in downtown Indy.
She's been doing very well--growing stronger everyday. She attends physical therapy 3 times each week, which has helped to regain her strength and stamina. She also visits the hospital 2 times each week for labs and checkups with her surgeons.
In terms of nutrition, Haley is back to a regular diet--eating everything from Doritos, to grapes, to chicken-pot-pie. She's finally stopped losing weight, and is hoping regain some in the coming weeks.
Thanks again for all the support--the many well-wishes and prayers have worked.
XOXO,
Team Haley
September 11, 2015
The last couple of weeks have been filled with ups and downs in regards to Haley's recovery. Since Haley's transplant surgery, she has had to undergo a couple of additional surgeries. The main issue post-surgery has been dealing with her blood disease and finding that fine line between how thin of blood is too thin, and how thick is too thick. In the two post-transplant surgeries Haley has undergone, the doctors have had to remove two rather large hematomas that had developed due to slow seeping blood into her abdominal area. Most recently, Haley has developed several small blood clots (right arm and lungs) due to her blood being too thick after it was decided to reduce her blood thinners after her last hematoma was removed. Haley's blood has been thinned once again and the clots should be dissolved naturally with time. We are confident in the doctors here and know they will get this delicate balance worked out. We were told that there would undoubtedly be bumps along the way to recovery, and we are hoping that this is the last of them. The important thing is that the transplanted organs are functioning, and her blood numbers look good. Haley is on the right trajectory and her spirits remain strong. She is going above and beyond doing all she can do to ensure she has a successful recovery ( and to no ones surprise she is a nurse favorite). Please continue to keep Haley and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of your support and letters of encouragement! Here's to getting Haley out of the hospital and on the way to this being a memory!
-Team Haley
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
November 18, 2015
I know we have never met, but I started doing some temp work at Williams Randall soon after you left. I have seen the work you did while you were there and I can honestly say that I am in no way replacing you. You are incredibly talented and I hope you can get back to work soon. I hope you know how much everyone at work is pulling for you to get better. I hope to meet you someday.
Tom Missler
September 19, 2015
Just a note of encouragement for a very special niece. We think of you often and pray for medical situation to show great improvement and for your comfort level to improve along with that.
Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Dave
September 18, 2015
I've been wondering how you're doing & hoping you're doing better!
I think of you often!
Debbie Tyler, Angola
