A Tennessee family recently faced a heartbreaking decision to save their 14-year-old son’s life by amputating his hands and feet after what began as “flu-like symptoms” in mid-June.
Mathias Uribe sought medical attention twice after symptoms appeared, and on June 30, he was rushed to the emergency room when he went into cardiac arrest, as detailed in a GoFundMe titled “#MiracleForMathias.”
“He needed life-saving support and was flown to two different hospitals. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome,” the family wrote.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “a rare, but serious bacterial infection” that typically starts with flu-like symptoms.
This infection, sometimes triggered by the flu or bacteria entering through an open wound, can lead to “low blood pressure, multiple organ failure, and even death.”
Uribe was placed on life support in the ICU at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee.
“[W]e were told he was the sickest child admitted at the time,” the family shared in the GoFundMe description.
On July 12, Uribe’s heart and lungs began showing signs of improvement, and he was taken off life support.
“It is extremely hard for us to explain the ups and downs we have felt in the last few weeks. Our brilliant, 14-year-old son is a fighter,” the family expressed.
“Our son has always been a happy, tender, loving boy, who touches the heart of everyone around him. At school, he has always excelled, and his teachers always have nothing but praise for his work ethic and eagerness to learn and go above and beyond both inside and outside the classroom.”
They continued, highlighting Uribe’s athleticism as a member of his school’s cross-country team and his passion for soccer, football, and basketball. His ambition is to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to make a positive impact on the world.
However, after 20 days of treatment in July, doctors informed Uribe’s family that while his organs were saved, “his extremities did not receive enough blood flow,” necessitating the amputation of his left leg above the knee, his right leg below the knee, and both hands above the wrists by August 1.
Dr. Katie Boyle from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, who led Uribe’s medical team, described his condition as “very rare” in an interview with local outlet WSMV.
“Sometimes when you get the flu, it does set you up for a bacterial infection. But even then, most kids don’t get nearly as sick as Mathias did,” she remarked.
A letter published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal in May 2023 highlighted similar cases in children following influenza infections.
“As you can imagine, this news has left us all feeling a whirlwind of emotions. We find solace in knowing that this decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with medical professionals who have his best interests at heart,” the Uribe family conveyed.
“While it is undoubtedly a challenging road ahead, we firmly believe that this surgery will pave the way for a brighter future for our son.”
They expressed gratitude for the support of their son’s medical team throughout his procedures and recovery, requesting “support, love, and prayers” as Mathias continues to recover from his “life-changing surgery.”
“We are in awe of his unwavering spirit and determination, which will undoubtedly guide him through the challenges that lie ahead,” his family affirmed.
They concluded their message with faith that this surgery will enable their son to embrace life’s opportunities with renewed vigor and determination, buoyed by the support of their faith and community.
