A young girl from Arizona has undergone multiple amputations in the past two weeks due to a sudden and severe bacterial infection, her family has reported. Victoria Pasten-Morales, a second-grade student, has had eight surgeries since being diagnosed with Group A Streptococcus, a bacteria known to cause serious illnesses.
The 7-year-old’s symptoms began with a fever and vomiting in late February, followed by her lips and hands turning blue, as shared by her parents. The onset of the illness was swift and unexpected. “The whole situation unfolded in less than 12 hours. We have no idea where it originated,” Victoria’s mother, Obdulia Morales, expressed.
Victoria’s father, Victor Pasten, echoed the sentiment, stating in Spanish, “Diseases can strike without warning. Everything can change in a blink of an eye.”
Victoria was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she received the dire diagnosis and underwent a series of medical procedures. “Regrettably, both her feet and her right hand had to be amputated. Her left hand is still in the recovery process,” Pasten shared.
The infection has also impacted Victoria’s kidneys, and she currently requires a ventilator, even though she is conscious. Despite her inability to speak, Victoria has been communicating with her school staff through gestures like blowing kisses and nodding her head, as reported by her teacher in a GoFundMe post.
The family is facing a significant financial strain due to the unexpected medical crisis. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist them, raising over $23,000 so far.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria can cause a range of infections, from mild to severe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morales described her daughter as a “warrior” throughout this frightening experience. “The journey ahead won’t be easy for her, but she’s strong,” she said.
The parents, who have three other children, are still trying to understand how Victoria contracted this debilitating infection. “Even the doctors are unable to explain how she got this bacteria,” Morales stated.Young Arizona Girl Undergoes Multiple Amputations Due to Severe Bacterial InfectionYoung Arizona Girl Undergoes Multiple Amputations Due to Severe Bacterial Infection