Healing in Motion – Hannah’s Rare Autoimmune Journey

Talented showstopper springs back into action with the help of PromptCare

It started subtly. Faint purple discoloration on Hannah’s hands, elbows, and knees. A high school student balancing dance rehearsals and schoolwork, she assumed it was just dry winter skin or irritation from the cold.

But the color deepened. Her knuckles darkened so noticeably that classmates asked if she was contagious. The rashes didn’t itch or hurt, but they left a mark—on her skin and her self-confidence. She started to pull away from the sport that once lit her up.

Her twin brother, Tyler, has psoriasis—a chronic autoimmune condition that causes raised, scaly skin patches. Psoriasis often runs in families and can affect both skin and joints, so it seemed like a logical explanation. A familiar guess, but it wasn’t the answer.

A dermatologist prescribed a treatment for psoriasis, but the rashes didn’t respond. With no improvement and no clear explanation for her symptoms, Hannah and her mom, Kim, were eventually referred to a pediatric arthritis center.

An Autoimmune Diagnosis Without Classic Symptoms

That’s where they met Sandy Hong, MD, a pediatric rheumatologist at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Dr. Hong examined Hannah’s hands and took note of the unusual discoloration. Bloodwork was ordered to check muscle enzymes, followed by a strength assessment and an MRI.

Hannah was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of blood vessels and affects the muscles. In most cases, it leads to progressive muscle weakness—but Hannah didn’t show those signs. Her symptoms were visible but subtle, making it harder to gauge how aggressively to treat the condition.

IVIg Infusions for Autoimmune: Time-Intensive but Effective

Hannah’s care team recommended IVIg (intravenous immunoglobulin) infusions every four weeks. Treatment days were long—five hours per session, plus a three-hour drive to the hospital. She experienced mild side effects, including headaches and fatigue, which typically subsided after a few days.

But the therapy worked. Over time, the purple rashes began to fade. Hannah’s energy slowly returned, and so did her confidence. Her body was responding—and that gave her and her mom something they hadn’t felt in months: relief. They found a rhythm in their new routine. It wasn’t easy, but it was progress.

Turning Point: Infusions at Home

After nearly a year of long travel and unpredictable Midwest weather, Dr. Hong suggested a change: switching to in-home infusion therapy. The idea of staying home, avoiding hours in the car, and receiving care in a more familiar setting felt like a turning point. It brought consistency, comfort, and more control over a condition that had once felt so uncertain.

“As a busy high-school student, it made sense to transition Hannah to in-home treatments,” says Courtney Kremer, ARNP, a pediatrics specialist at University of Iowa. “We knew PromptCare was able to provide home infusion care in her area, so it worked out well. Convenience and a reputation for quality care, especially in pediatrics, played a large part in the decision to refer Hannah to PromptCare.”

With a trusted PromptCare nurse by her side and protocols in place, Hannah’s in-home infusions have been safe and effective. Now, every five weeks, she receives IVIg treatment in the comfort of home. It’s still a five-hour process, but the routine feels more manageable. Consistency has helped to reduce the frequency of her infusions—and she may be able to space out treatments even further in the future.

Reclaiming Her Rhythm

Along the way, Hannah formed a meaningful bond with her infusion nurse. Their check-ins turned into conversations, and their visits became something to look forward to in her unpredictable journey. “I can always count on her,” Hannah says of her nurse. “She just knows what to do.”

Now, with college on the horizon and her feet back in the dance studio, Hannah is reclaiming the rhythm she feared she’d lost. Her light is back. So is her strength.

Whatever It Takes.

Count on us. PromptCare’s dedicated team connects the dots of your care plan between providers, physicians, and payors.

Contact our compassionate nurses and pharmacists to learn how we can assist you or your loved ones.

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