Boy, 14, Forced To Have Hands And Legs Amputated After Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms

The early usual flu-like symptoms of a 14-year-old boy quickly worsened, requiring hand and limb amputations.

GoFundMe

Mathias Uribe, a resident of Tennessee in the United States, was taken to the doctor twice in mid-June after exhibiting "flu-like symptoms."

But at the end of June, his parents' "world fell apart" and he had to be taken to the emergency department.

On June 30, Mathias' parents revealed that he suffered a cardiac arrest and that his "heart stopped."

The parents of the 14-year-old created a GoFundMe page for him, which states: "He needed life-saving support and was flown to two different hospitals.”

Credit: WSMV

"He was diagnosed with pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome."

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) 'is a rare, but serious bacterial infection. STSS can develop very quickly into low blood pressure, multiple organ failure, and even death,' according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Later, the 14-year-old was taken to the ICU at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital and put on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, which is a form of life support.

"We were told he was the sickest child admitted at the time," Mathias' parents said.

Credit: WSMV

After 20 days of "intense treatment," Mathias' condition gradually got better, but his parents were informed that "his extremities had been compromised."

Unfortunately, Mathias' left leg had to be amputated below the knee on June 21 due to the "difficult decision" that his limbs "didn't receive enough blood flow."

His right leg was amputated below the knee four days later, and his left leg was removed once more, this time above the knee.

Mathias had both of his hands amputated above the wrist on August 1.

Credit: WSMV

Mathias' parents described going through a "whirlwind of emotions" after deciding to amputate the 14-year-old's hands and lower legs.

However, they added: "We find solace in knowing that this decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with medical professionals who have his best interests at heart. While it is undoubtedly a challenging road ahead, we firmly believe that this surgery will pave the way for a brighter future for our son.”

"Our son’s strength and resilience have always been an inspiration to us all. He has faced adversity with unwavering courage, and we have no doubt that he will continue to do so throughout this journey. We are in awe of his unwavering spirit and determination, which will undoubtedly guide him through the challenges that lie ahead."

"I told him we are going to be your arms and legs until we figure all of this out," his father told WSMV.

Credit: WSMV

To assist in funding Mathias' medical treatment, which "will include therapies, interventions, and prosthetics," a GoFundMe page has been created.

The 14-year-old parents resolve: "During this time, we kindly ask for your support, love, and prayers. Your words of encouragement and positive energy will undoubtedly provide comfort and strength to Mathias as he prepares for this life-changing surgery. Let us come together as a community, united in love and compassion, to uplift him and our family during this difficult time.”

"We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible medical team who will be guiding us through this process. Their expertise, care, and dedication are invaluable, and we are eternally grateful for their unwavering support.”

"[...] Together, we can help him find the strength to overcome any obstacle that comes his way. Let us be the pillars of support he needs during this time, reminding him that he is loved beyond measure."

Mathias' GoFundMe has currently raised $255,338 out of its $500,000 goal as of the time of writing.