What started as the flu changed one Kerrville, Texas family’s life forever.
KERRVILLE, Texas — Texas teen Kaydin Baldwin spent more than 100 days in the hospital after testing positive for the flu before developing strep pneumonia. According to her mother, Amanda Baldwin, the 14-year-old’s condition quickly became critical.
“Multi-organ failure, 117 days in the hospital, she coded for two minutes,” Amanda said.
Kaydin later developed necrotizing pneumonia and blood clots. By March, doctors had to amputate both of her legs and her right arm to save her life.
Despite the challenges, Kaydin continues to move forward. She recently celebrated her 14th birthday and has been fitted for prosthetic limbs, which she is expected to receive in the coming weeks.
Amanda says watching her daughter fight through every obstacle has inspired her.
“I drew my strength from her every day to continue to be by her side and not cry in front of her,” she said.
Kaydin’s family is now fundraising for a wheelchair-accessible van. The family purchased a vehicle online, but it broke down shortly after, leaving them without reliable transportation that can accommodate Kaydin’s wheelchair.
“It’s amazing how loved she is. How loved our family is,” Amanda said.
The family’s experience has also inspired Amanda to advocate for limb loss awareness.