Sam Carillo got mononucleosis in the third grade. The virus, which is like a severe case of the flu, triggered chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which is a blood disorder that lowers the number of platelets in the blood. Basically, the immune system mistakes platelets for viral material and attacks them. ITP typically goes away on its own after six months, unless it is a chronic version of the disorder. Unfortunately for Carillo, his case is chronic, and because of potential bleeding trauma, he had to quit football and other contact sports. Read More»