Limbs of Hope for Chris: Surviving Against the Odds

My brother Chris is 38 years old, generally an active and fit person who religiously works out five days a week. He has a girlfriend of 3 years and just started planning their future to get married and build a family with children. He is an honest, hardworking and overall just a generous and kindhearted person.

Unfortunately, his plans and dreams came to a halt as he became suddenly hospitalized on Monday, February 26 of this year. He started feeling unwell on the Saturday. He ran a fever and had severe body aches, but thought it was just the common flu. By Monday, our mom and his girlfriend had called an ambulance to take him to the hospital as his symptoms worsened. After a short stay at emergency, he was immediately admitted to the ICU with very little information given to us, as they didn’t know what was wrong with him at the time. Chris was suffering from failure in his liver, kidneys and lungs and the doctor had advised to place him on life support and subsequently in a medically induced coma after stating that his body had undergone septic shock. The doctor had informed us that he was fighting off an invasive bacteria called Group A Strep, that had somehow entered his bloodstream.

Things took a turn for the worse when we received a call at 3 am Tuesday morning that Chris would not make it. His Lactic acid had sky-rocketed to 25! Normal levels of Lactic Acid should be at 1 and even at 2, it’s considered high. The doctor had told us that if this doesn’t go down, his heart will eventually stop and they will not be able to resuscitate him back to life.

The entire family was in disbelief and devastated at this sudden news. Why and how could this be happening to our Chris?! We had no answers and still don’t.

While Chris was in a coma, we all took turns talking to him, letting him know we were all waiting for him and he wasn’t alone in this battle. Reassuring him how strong of a person he is, and he could overcome this illness because it wasn’t his time yet, he still had so much more to give and accomplish in his life. We prayed and begged God to save Chris and as the days went by his Lactic acid started to decline slowly, he did not pass and started to make progress. His kidneys recovered, he started breathing on his own again and his heart remained unwaveringly strong. By the grace of God and a miracle, Chris survived.

We were all so happy that Chris made it, however it was not without a great cost due to the loss of blood flow to his limbs, Chris ended up getting a “quadruple amputation” surgery.

Chris’s surgery went well, with no complications.  One can only imagine how he is feeling, the emotions along with the unimaginable pain running through his body and trying to comprehend what has happened to him. However Chris is so strong and is staying positive with us by his side cheering him on. He’s looking forward to his rehabilitation and is determined to get out of the hospital and start living his life once again.

(Some of the important people in Chris' life, clockwise from L to R: His girlfriend; His sister, brother-in-law and nephews; His two best friends; His father; His mother and stepfather.)

Now we are looking at the best options for bionic prosthesis and even a potential hand transplant to try and restore his function to continue living his life and fulfill his dreams of having a family. While there are different types of prosthesis available, we want Chris to have the best technology out there as he is so young and has so many years ahead of him.

There’s been an outpour of emotional support from family and friends and they’ve expressed that they’d like to support financially as well. However these prosthetics can cost upwards of $70k to $100k per limb, this is where your generosity comes in. Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated and no amount is too small, as it will all help. Your donations will go directly to Chris and it will be used for his prosthetics and all medical expenses during his road to recovery.

With your help and the help from his family and friends. With his amazing partner who is standing by his side everyday we can make a brighter future for Chris!

We appreciate and Thank You all!