A three-year-old girl has been recognized as the only person in the world diagnosed with an extremely rare disease. This condition was identified during her mother’s 36-week pregnancy scan, which revealed alarming complications. Little Harleigh Tidd was born with a mere 13% chance of survival, yet she defied expectations. Unfortunately, her ongoing health struggles have led doctors to conclude that she may only have weeks left to live.
During a routine ultrasound appointment in August 2022, Stacie Hammond, 45, and her partner Stephen Tidd, 28, received distressing news. The scan showed a “dark patch” near their unborn daughter’s heart, indicating that her lungs had collapsed and filled with fluid. An emergency caesarean section was performed just days later, and Harleigh entered the world against formidable odds.
Following her birth, medical staff immediately inserted a chest tube to drain the excess fluid and placed her on respiratory support. Stacie described the early days: “Harleigh seemed to be doing well during her first few weeks of life.” However, things quickly took a turn when Harleigh stopped eating and her condition worsened.
Despite her initial survival, Harleigh’s health continued to deteriorate. She spent most of her early years in and out of hospitals, undergoing a staggering 38 surgeries since December 2024. The family learned that Harleigh was suffering from a rare combination of conditions, including lymphangioleiomyomatosis, chylothorax, and skeletal dysplasia. These ailments caused her lymphatic system to leak a fluid known as chyle into her lungs uncontrollably.
Stacie shared, “When Harleigh was born, she was classed as a miracle baby because she survived. But we noticed Harleigh developing rashes and becoming ill.” Tragically, her condition has progressed aggressively. In a heartbreaking meeting with medical professionals, Stacie and Stephen were informed that there were no further treatment options available.
The couple now faces the grim reality that Harleigh has only a few months left to live. Doctors installed a final chest drain in late October, which they estimate may remain effective for about ten weeks. After that, Harleigh’s condition is expected to deteriorate rapidly.
Palliative care support is now in place for the family, who have also implemented a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. Stacie expressed the anguish of watching her daughter struggle, saying, “Of her three years, she’s only spent about seven months out of hospital.”
Despite her ongoing battle with illness, Harleigh has maintained a cheerful spirit. Stacie remarked, “We call her our little warrior princess. The disease has taken over her whole body, but she has never stopped smiling.”
In a heartfelt effort to create lasting memories, the family is raising funds to take Harleigh to Disneyland, fulfilling her dream of experiencing the magical destination. Stacie emphasized the importance of raising awareness about Harleigh’s rare condition, hoping that one day it may lead to answers regarding its origins.
After Harleigh’s passing, the family plans to donate her organs to help save others, believing that she could make a significant impact on medical history. “We will donate her organs after she is gone to help save others in the future,” Stacie stated.
The story of Harleigh Tidd not only highlights the challenges faced by those with rare diseases but also underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.
