OUR STORY
BT CLothing-
Blake Thueson
Through Blake’s death and HLH Awareness, BT Clothing was inspired. We want to inspire to help others.
BT Clothing will donate proceeds to HLH Research.
18-year-old Blake Thueson of Ririe was at a high point in his life, competing in the 2022 IMBA World Finals in Reno, Nevada. While competing, he started to feel sick — an illness that quickly spiraled and ultimately led to his death on Nov. 19. He’s remembered fondly by his friends and family for all his many achievements.
“He was excelling in bull riding. He was winning a lot and doing so well,” said Jodi Thueson, Blake’s stepmom. Blake got involved with the rodeo scene when he was eight years old. His dad, Todd, helped train him. “He wanted to become an NFR World Champion." Blake's Mom, who lived in Utah, let him spend extra time in Idaho so he could train and follow his dream.
That was his goal and he was on his way to succeed that.” said Todd.
During the IMBA World Finals in Reno, he decided to opt out early. “He said, ‘Dad, I don’t know if I can ride. I don’t feel good,'” Todd recalls. When Blake got back to Idaho, doctors told them that Blake needed to go to the emergency room. He was having liver trouble, and his condition worsened. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, he was airlifted to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. “They ran every test that you could imagine for everything because everyone wasn’t sure what was wrong.” Todd said. By the end of the day on Nov. 16, Blake was put on full life support.
By Friday, Nov. 18, tests came back and revealed Blake had HLH disease. “It’s pretty rare and kills your organs,” Todd said. Todd said it was the first time he had heard of HLH disease. Todd said it was a roller coaster. “They did some procedures to help him…It was minute to minute if he was going to live or not. So we would get good news, and then 20 minutes later, we’d get bad news that things aren’t working again, and so they would try something else,” Todd explained. On Friday night, the medical staff told Todd and Jodi that it would be a tough night. They had done about everything they could do to keep Blake alive. The next day, on Nov. 19, Blake passed away. Blake will be missed by his parents and remembered always. “I couldn’t be more proud of my son for all the achievements he’s done in his life and just the person he is,” Todd said.
What is HLH?
Pronounced: HEE-moh-FA-goh-SIH-tik LIM-foh-HIS-tee-oh-sy-TOH-sis (HLH)
HLH is a rare and life-threatening immune disorder, involving severe uncontrolled inflammation in the body. In patients with HLH, the immune system does not work as it should. This is due to rapid and uncontrolled growth of the body’s defense cells, called lymphocytes and macrophages. Normally, these cells keep our bodies well by destroying infected or damaged cells. However, in patients with HLH, these cells not only destroy the damaged cells, but they do not “shut off” as they should and go on to destroy other cells such as red blood cells, platelets and neutrophils within the body. HLH is considered a rare disease, and many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with its symptoms.
What triggers HLH? Sometimes HLH can be triggered by a virus like EBV, the virus that causes mono, but sometimes doctors aren’t sure what triggers it. The defense system continues to be stimulated and is over activated because the body’s immune system is unable to “switch off”. If HLH is not treated, the continuing inflammation can damage the patient’s own body.
A sample of spinal fluid may be collected if there is a concern about inflammation in the brain. Imaging tests, including X rays, CT scans, or MRI, may be done, as well as blood tests looking for infection or abnormal cells in the body. These can help in determining the causes associated with an episode of HLH. Additionally, testing for genetic causes of HLH may be ordered. Traditionally, HLH is diagnosed if at least five of these eight criteria are fulfilled:
• Fever (over 38.5 C)
• Cytopenias (low blood counts)
• Hemophagocytosis
• Elevated ferritin
• Enlarged spleen
• Elevated triglycerides, and/or low levels of fibrinogen
• Low or absent NK cell activity
