Sport Purple for Platelets Day: One Patient’s Journey of Hope and Healing at Texas Children’s Hospital

On the last Friday of September, families and hospitals across the world come together to recognize Sport Purple for Platelets Day — a day dedicated to raising awareness for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and other platelet disorders. At Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, we care for hundreds of children living with ITP. Each child’s story is unique, yet resilience is the common thread that connects them. Along with courage and hope, our patients and their families are beating the odds and living their best lives every single day.   

We are proud to highlight one of these inspiring stories — a young patient whose journey reflects both the challenges of living with a chronic immune disorder and the hope that specialized care provides.

Laila’s Journey

Laila was first diagnosed with ITP when she was four years old, after her parents noticed easy bruising, night sweats and unexplained bleeding. What began as a frightening search for answers eventually led to a diagnosis of Evans syndrome, a rare condition where the immune system attacks red blood cells and platelets, causing problems like ITP.

For years, Laila underwent blood draws, infusions and at-home injections as part of her treatment plan. With support from her family, care team and child life specialists, she gained confidence in managing her condition. In 2018, her father wrote this blog to share her story and inspire other families. 

Today, at 14 years old, Laila continues to live with ITP — and she is thriving. She has taken full responsibility for her at-home therapy, completing her treatment every Sunday evening as part of her routine.

Outside of her medical care, Laila is flourishing as a student and leader. Having recently started high school, she serves as captain of the soccer team, participates in Rotary Club and competes on the swim team — and she previously held the role of National Junior Honor Society president.

At home, Laila sets a powerful example for her two younger sisters.

When asked to reflect on her journey, she shared this message, “Thank you so much for helping me. Without my amazing care team at Texas Children’s Hospital and the community I have around me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 

Laila echoes the gratitude we hear from so many families — and reminds us why it’s important to raise awareness, and to connect families with each other and with a community of support around the world. 

Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist Dr. Amanda Grimes has been part of Laila’s care team since the beginning of her journey at Texas Children’s in 2015. “Laila has remained completely fearless through the ups and downs, as well as all the many unknowns, of her ITP journey — never once complaining about the additional challenges she faces, or allowing these obstacles to keep her from living her life fully,” said Dr. Grimes. “She is without a doubt a true inspiration, not only for living every day with kindness, humility, and an unflinchingly positive attitude, but also managing to do so with a long-standing chronic medical condition.”  

Understanding ITP

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder that results in low platelet counts. Platelets are essential blood cells responsible for forming clots to prevent excessive bleeding. When platelet levels decrease, patients may notice bruising, small red spots on the skin (petechiae), gum bleeding, fatigue and more. In some cases, more severe bleeding, including prolonged nosebleeds, menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, or — in rare cases — bleeding in the brain,may also occur.

In children, ITP often develops after a viral infection or other immune trigger. The immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that attack platelets.

Treatment

Not every child with ITP requires treatment — and many recover on their own, even if requiring treatment initially. However, when platelet counts are dangerously low or bleeding occurs, emergent therapies often include:

• IV infusions such as intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)
• Steroids such as prednisone

Anti-D immune globulin

For individuals with persistent bleeding symptoms or impaired quality of life who do not respond to first-line therapies, additional treatments are available. These include thrombopoietin receptor agonists to increase platelet production, immunomodulators, and — in some cases — surgical removal of the spleen.

At Texas Children’s, we evaluate 100 to 125 new ITP patients each year and currently care for over 250 children with the condition. Our specialists actively participate in research, clinical trials and the Pediatric ITP Consortium of North America, a collaborative network of experts across the U.S. and Canada.

Through these efforts, we aim not only to provide excellent patient care but also to advance knowledge and improve outcomes for all children with ITP.

Sport Purple for Platelets Day

Sport Purple for Platelets Day is observed on the last Friday in September. In 2025, it falls on Friday, September 26.

Purple represents both courage and one of the most recognizable symptoms of ITP—unexplained bruising. On this day, supporters are encouraged to wear purple clothing or accessories — or even decorate their homes, workplaces and schools in purple to honor children and adults affected by platelet disorders.

Led by the Platelet Disorder Support Association, Sport Purple for Platelets Day is organized to help raise global awareness and build community support for patients and families.

A Message of Hope

ITP can be frightening. But as Laila’s story shows, children diagnosed with ITP can still thrive and inspire others with their resilience. At Texas Children’s, we are proud to stand alongside our patients and their families — not just in the hospital, but also during moments of celebration like Sport Purple for Platelets Day.

This September, we invite you to join us by wearing purple, spreading awareness in your communities and honoring every child living with ITP. 

Learn more about Texas Children’s ITP and Immune Hematology Program.