Undergoing routine surgery often comes with a slight risk of complications, yet most procedures are successful.
However, for a mother of two, what should have been a simple kidney stone removal turned into a harrowing ordeal.
Undergoing routine surgery often comes with a slight risk of complications, yet most procedures are successful.
However, for a mother of two, what should have been a simple kidney stone removal turned into a harrowing ordeal.
Lucinda 'Cindy' Mullins, initially seeking treatment for a kidney stone, faced unexpected complications when the stone became infected and led to sepsis.
The 41-year-old was first admitted to Fort Logan Hospital in Stanford, Kentucky, before being transferred to the University of Kentucky hospital in Lexington for the stone's removal.
Tragically, the severity of the infection forced doctors to amputate both of her legs.
They also informed her that she would lose both arms below the elbows.
Despite the shocking turn of events, Lucinda remained resilient.
Speaking to LEX 18, she said, "I just said these are the cards I've been dealt and these are the hands I'm going to play. I'm just so happy to be alive."
"I get to see my kids. I get to see my family. I get to have my time with my husband. Those are minor things at this point."
Lucinda's sister, Luci Smith, shared updates and photos of Lucinda smiling outside the hospital, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support.
"We would like to thank everyone again for all of the support, love, prayers, cards, food and visits (her favourite) You guys are amazing."
"In the next few days we will move to Cardinal Hill for a couple weeks and then come back for hopefully her final surgery."
"Each day is a blessing from God and we will continue to praise him for the miracles he has performed."
"Today she got to leave the room and we ventured outside for some fresh crisp air. Keep praying and she'll keep fighting until we are finally home."
However, the financial implications of such extensive surgery are significant, especially in the US. This placed a substantial financial burden on the Mullins family.
In response, a friend of Lucinda's established a GoFundMe page to help with the costs.
Impressively, it has already gathered $90,860 (£71,300) towards the $250,000 (£196,200) goal, with over a thousand donations in less than two weeks.
The friend described Lucinda as a "lovely, caring, brave and beautiful young lady," and emphasized the family's need for support.
"Cindy and her family will have to make a few adjustments to their home to accommodate Cindy's needs as well as her prosthetics and adaptive equipment."
"The costs of all of this can be overwhelming. We started this fundraiser because we want to support our hero Cindy, as well as her husband DJ who has been by her side every step of the way."
"Cindy and DJ have two young children who are missing their mom and dad terribly. Sometimes life is hard and there's no way around it."
"Cindy and DJ's world has come to a complete stop, but the world around them continues to move forward."
"Let's help ease their burden while they heal and get back to their lives. We hope to be able to allow Cindy to focus on her recovery. Thank you for your support!"
If you're able to donate to the family, you can do so here.