Off The Record
Fit And Sporty 23-Year-Old Medical Student Loses All Four Limbs After Terrible Misdiagnosis
What she believed to be a simple case of the flu turned out to be a potentially fatal sepsis infection, leaving a sporty medical student quadruple amputee.
In January, 23-year-old Jerseyan Lily McGarry was brought to A&E with flu-like symptoms while she was a medical student at Cardiff University.
Lily, who her family has characterized as “kind, thoughtful, and positive,” experienced two heart arrests within hours and was put into a medically induced coma.
The enthusiastic athlete was identified by medical professionals at University Hospital Wales with meningococcal septicemia, a rare and severe bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can result in fast organ failure and death.
When Lily awoke from the coma two weeks later, the illness had permanently damaged all four of her limbs.
To preserve Lily’s life, surgeons had to amputate her arms at the elbow and both of her legs above the knee.
Lily, who holds a first-class degree in Medical Pharmacology, was an enthusiastic swimmer, runner, and surfer before her illness.
Sport is ‘vital’ to Lily’s pleasure, according to her family, who also called her recent quadruple amputation ‘devastating’.
She has remained ‘unshaken’ in her resolve and resilience following the life-altering operation, they added.
To aid Lily’s recuperation and enable her to resume her favorite pastimes, her mother Jo Gorrod and sister Tanya created a GoFundMe today.
Nearly 300 individuals have pledged their support for the online fundraising, which has already raised over £14,000 in less than 24 hours.
“We are committed to ensuring that Lily has the best chance for recovery and the opportunity to pursue her dreams.” Ms Gorrod wrote on the GoFundMe page.
“Before her illness, Lily was an avid swimmer, runner, and surfer, and these sports are essential to her well-being and happiness.”
“The advanced prosthetics available through private companies will give her the mobility and independence to return to these activities.”
“This will not only aid her physical recovery but also allow her to reconnect with the passions that have always brought her joy.”
“Funds raised here will go directly towards prosthetics, adaptations to living environment, as well as the physiotherapy and rehabilitation necessary for Lily’s recovery.”
“Any funds not directly used for Lily’s care will be donated to Limb Power, a charity that supports amputees and individuals with limb impairments through physical activity, sport, and the arts to enhance their quality of life and aid in lifelong rehabilitation.”
She added, “Your support will make a world of difference in helping Lily rebuild her life, regain her independence, and pursue her dreams.”
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