Kaydin Baldwin spent 117 days in the hospital after influenza led to pneumonia, sepsis and organ failure.
KERRVILLE, Texas — A Texas teenager is recovering after losing both legs and her right arm following severe complications from the flu that led to pneumonia, sepsis and multi-organ failure.
Kaydin Baldwin was 13 when she first became sick in January with fever, chills and body aches. What began as a common illness quickly became life-threatening. Her family said the flu developed into strep pneumonia, septic shock and necrotizing pneumonia, a rare and dangerous infection that damages lung tissue.
Doctors later amputated both of Kaydin’s legs and her right arm to save her life. Her mother, Amanda Baldwin, said Kaydin spent 117 days in the hospital and at one point coded for two minutes. The teen recently celebrated her 14th birthday while still recovering.
Kaydin is now in inpatient rehabilitation and preparing for life with prosthetic limbs. Her family said she remains strong and determined as she relearns daily tasks after the amputations.
Her sister, Arieanna Valdez, said the illness changed Kaydin’s life in a matter of moments. She described Kaydin as bright, funny and strong, and said the teen is facing challenges no child should have to face.
The family is also raising money for a wheelchair-accessible van after their previous vehicle broke down. Supporters said the van will be needed for medical appointments, rehabilitation and daily transportation as Kaydin continues her recovery.
Health experts say most people recover from the flu, but rare complications can become severe when secondary bacterial infections develop. In Kaydin’s case, doctors said the infection triggered blood clots, organ failure and other life-threatening problems.
Kaydin’s recovery is expected to continue for months as she works with medical teams, adapts to prosthetics and prepares to return home with new mobility needs.
Author note: Last updated July 3, 2026.