A new prosthetic leg for Bailee

For anyone who doesn't know me, my name is Vanessa. I'm a photographer in Calgary, and I became friends with Bailee through mutual friends. I had known of Bailee for years prior to actually meeting her, and I was always aware of the fact that she liked to have fun, and was always doing whatever she could to get out there and enjoy her life to the fullest extent.

In 2015 Bailee lost the lower half of her right leg due to complications of a heat virus. She was originally taken to the hospital for unrelated issues, and flatlined unexpectedly. Bailee was clinically dead for 5 minutes before doctors were able to resuscitate her. The doctors told her that if she hadn't come to the hospital in the first place, she most likely would have passed away in her sleep. 

Prior to having her leg amputated, Bailee was in a coma for 2 weeks. The doctors were concerned that she either would not make it, or that if she awoke, she would have brain damage due to 13 seizures she experienced. When she awoke, she had no recollection of anything that had occurred, or where she was. The last thing that she remembered was going to the orthodontist for an appointment. 

Bailee underwent 10 surgeries in order to try and salvage her leg, but her muscles had been badly infected by the toxins in her blood. The doctors soon realized that Bailee had huge blood clots within her leg, and that they would need to remove them as soon as possible. At first, they were able to remove the clots, which left a hole in her leg. Yet, after a few days, the clots had returned in the same spot and her skin started to turn grey. 

It was then that the decision to amputate was brought to the table. Even though it was an extremely tough call to make, Bailee knew that it was within her best interest, and that it would ultimately save her life. It has almost been 3 years since Bailee passed away, and then thankfully came back to life. Since then, she has had the same prosthetic, and it is not in good shape (the foot is falling off, there are holes in the lining, etc.)

I created this gofundme in hopes to raise money in order to help Bailee purchase a new leg. Her and I have spoken a few times over the past year about her struggle, and how hard it's been to finance such an expensive piece of equipment. As all gofundme pages go, any amount helps so much. I know that Bailee isn't the kind of person to outwardly ask for help, but she does need it at this time.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read Bailee's story, and for supporting her in any way possible! Take care.