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Meet Neelie Hight Rogers, Arkansas
Because the family was preparing to vacation in Mexico, Neelie’s mother, Retta, took her to the doctor to make sure she just had a stomach bug. The doctor decided to run tests of Neelie’s blood sugar, kidneys and blood panel, to make sure she did not have anything more serious. Neelie’s parents received a call later that evening from her doctor, instructing them to get their daughter to Arkansas Children's Hospital immediately for a blood transfusion. The oxygen levels in her blood were critically low, and she needed help immediately. When they arrived at ACH, Neelie received a blood transfusion. Doctors diagnosed her with spherocytosis, a genetic disease of the blood. Retta says the diagnosis could not have come at a better time. “When we arrived at ACH, Neelie’s spleen was enlarged,” says Retta. “Doctors told us that if we had gotten on to that plane to go to Mexico, there was a very strong possibility her spleen could have ruptured during the flight due to the altitude and pressure.” Neelie was in the hospital for two days and during that time had to receive another blood transfusion. Following her stay at ACH, Neelie’s blood levels had to be tested weekly for the first few months and then monthly as her condition stabilized. Because there is no cure for spherocytosis, she continues to be tested every two to three months. If her oxygen levels fall below a certain number, Neelie will have to return to ACH for another transfusion. Retta says the best thing about Neelie’s experience at ACH was the staff. “The staff members we saw were so compassionate and had such great attitudes,” she says. “They were genuinely concerned for our child and for us, as parents.” Neelie, a bubbly and funny girl, loves to play dress up and make people laugh. 
Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72202-3591, (501) 364-1100 or TDD (501) 364-1184
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Neelie first visited Arkansas Children's Hospital in 2006 when she was 4 years old. She had been sick all weekend with what her parents thought was a stomach virus. Neelie kept complaining of stomach pain and being thirsty. 