WREX Rockford anchor, Jeannie Hayes, 29, dies of leukemia
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By Tisha Lewis, FOX 32 News reporter - bio | email
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
The alarming death of the 29-year-old Rockford Anchor has left her family and friends stunned. Two days after Jeannie Hayes was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia, she died.
Hayes is best known for her care, compassion and community involvement.
The journalist, who loved puppies and sunsets, tweeted four days ago saying, "Sitting up hurts. Laying down hurts. Breathing hurts." She went on to tweet, "I wish I had the flu instead. Anything would be better than this :("
On Monday she was reportedly driven to an urgent care center where she was diagnosed with a bladder infection. By Tuesday, her conditioned worsened. She called 911 and emergency personnel reportedly had to break into her apartment for access.
Doctors later diagnosed her with advanced leukemia and a brain bleed. She died Thursday after undergoing emergency surgery and falling into a coma and shocking her coworkers.
Hayes began her career seven years ago at Rockford's NBC affiliate WREX. There she hosted 13 Cares, a community affairs program and recently became the station's Noon Anchor.
She also added morning show co-host to her resume, joining radio station B103 where she was thrilled to show more personality. At 12 years old Hayes moved to Granger, Indiana near South Bend with her family.
As a teen, the young journalist admired Oprah, appearing as an audience member nearly a dozen times. She also loved animals.
On her Facebook page, friends and complete strangers posted condolences and fond memories of Jeannie Hayes a self proclaimed "big little kid" with even bigger dreams.
She leaves behind her parents, two sisters and a community in mourning.
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