Rick Santorum's three-year-old daughter Bella has returned to the hospital according to a statement issued by the campaign Friday morning.

Rick and his wife Karen have taken their daughter Bella to the hospital, Santorum spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a written statement. The family requests prayers and privacy as Bella works her way to recovery.

Bella has Trisomy 18, a rare genetic disorder meaning that she has three copies of the 18th chromosome instead of two. The disorder causes abnormalities in the development of the brain, heart and other internal organs.

There is no indication what sent Bella to the hospital this time.

Santorum canceled campaign events in January when Bella was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia.

Karen cares for Bella full-time at home when Santorum campaigns.

In an interview with the Washington Post in November, Santorum talked about his decision to campaign while he had an ill daughter at home.

I feel like I wouldn't be a good dad if I wasn't out here fighting for a country that would see the dignity in her and every other child, Santorum told the Post.