Phoenix, Arizona – A young girl in Phoenix, Arizona, has undergone multiple amputations in the past two weeks after contracting a deadly bacterial infection, leaving her family devastated. Second-grader Victoria Pasten-Morales has endured a series of surgeries following her diagnosis with Group A Streptococcus, a bacterium known to cause severe diseases.
According to her parents, the 7-year-old initially experienced a fever and vomiting at the end of February before her condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to the discoloration of her lips and hands. In less than 12 hours, Victoria went from being seemingly healthy to fighting for her life, shocking her family with the sudden onset of the illness.
Victoria was swiftly brought to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed her with the deadly bacteria and performed several surgeries, including the amputation of both feet and her right hand. While her left hand is still in recovery, her kidneys have also been impacted, requiring assistance from a ventilator as she remains aware but unable to speak.
Despite the challenges she faces, Victoria’s strength and resilience have been evident, with her parents describing her as a “warrior” throughout this harrowing experience. The family, including three other children, has been left puzzled by how Victoria contracted the infection, a mystery that even medical experts have been unable to solve.
As the community rallies around the family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $23,000 to help alleviate the financial burden stemming from unexpected medical expenses. The uncertainty surrounding Victoria’s condition serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life-threatening infections and the importance of vigilance in monitoring symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention.