Rick Santorum's daughter Bella has been hospitalized again

Rick Santorum holds his daughter Isabella in this file photo

/ AP

(CBS News) -- Rick Santorum and his wife Karen's three-year-old daughter Bella is back in the hospital, according to a Friday email from his campaign. The release did not detail how serious Bella's condition was, but the child had a rare genetic disorder called Trisomy 18 that claims the lives of most children within a year of birth.

"Rick and his wife Karen have taken their daughter Bella to the hospital. The family requests prayers and privacy as Bella works her way to recovery," said a statement from communications director Hogan Gidley.

Bella Santorum was last hospitalized in January with a case of pneumonia. Santorum left the campaign trail just days before the Florida primary to be with his family near his home in Virginia. She recovered within a few days in what Santorum called a "miraculous turnaround."

[kathy5224]

This may seem cold and callous, but I cant help to think what a hypocrite Santorum is, especially now. He has voted against all kinds of social, medical and financial "entitlement programs" that help other families care for their kids kids, especially disabled children such as Bell. He trashes Obama Care when this program has provided insurance and medical assistance for hundreds of thousands of people (including children) who had no health insurance. Yet, he has the best insurance money can by, which we, as taxpayers, pay for. His daughter accesses the best care possible at our expense while he works very hard to limit access to even basic care and social welfare programs for millions of other families and children. He should be ashamed.

[skitbit]

I cannot stand Santorum but Bella is just precious and I wish her the best.

[slatep]

My prayers are with the Santorum family and their beloved daughter.

[mysticpizza]

Eventhough I am not an Santorum supporter or would ever vote for him, I wish the best for his daughters health and hope that some miracle cure comes along for her condition.

[boons1541]

May GOD watch over the Santorum's family and have his loving arms around Bella.

[audemus]

It's interesting to note that all it takes is a sick child to remind most of us that there are larger and much more important issues....

[realtimecoffee]

Wel said. And my best to little Bella and her family.

[violist47]

Let's surround them with good thoughts and prayers.

[credibility2]

May God bless and comfort the Santorums at this difficult time.

[jschmidt27]

Hope his daughter comes through this. But he has to ask himself, what is more important? THis political run he most likely will not win or being with his daughter.

[frediricka]

Mr Santorum needs to be with his family and care for his kid. I think it will be wise to quit the race for POTUS as he will surely lose, and stay home to care and love her kid who needs it. forget about the rest to focus on you kid.. She's well and Fine. This will always be a distraction, and Santorum will not be able to focus on the country with so many economic problems to solve. Please come back 2016.

[lloydbest1]

Mr. Santorum, give it up. The nomination is unwinnable and your daughter needs you. She's adorable and you don't have much time left with her.

Forget 2012; if you really believe your worldview is the solution for what ails this country, give it a shot in 2016!