Hope Hudson, the 12-year-old Missouri girl who became a beloved member of the I’ll Have Another family during this year’s Triple Crown, underwent surgery in St. Louis on Wednesday, her 10th operation to deal with symptoms from the rare connective tissue disorder Hajdu-Cheney syndrome.

The Hudson family posted the following message on the CaringBridge website they maintain to keep Hope’s friends updated on her condition:

“Hope is out of surgery, her doctor just came in with a report. She did great; there were some issues at the beginning with getting her intubated but they worked that out. She did have a leak in her dura lining that he took care of and he did some bone work to decompress her brain stem. He did not have to fuse her neck this round so no halo just a collar.

“Thanks again for all your prayers and well wishes. We are so blessed to have such a strong support system.”

Hope came to the Kentucky Derby on a trip made possible by the Make a Wish Foundation and Three Chimneys Farm. Trainer Doug O’Neill and his family and staff embraced the young girl and invited Hope to continue on the Triple Crown trail to the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, where her courageous and positive attitude in dealing with the disease endeared her to the racing public.

Doug O’Neill said he plans to visit Hope in Missouri early next week.