Andrea ,20yr old Quadruple Amputee Sep 2020

Andrea Zavala, my beautiful, smart, kind, little sister has suffered a life-altering event that has resulted in the loss of all four of her limbs.

Early on the morning of September 9, 2020, Andrea was taken to the ER in excruciating pain. At 2:00 am the next morning, we received a phone call notifying us that she had to be rushed into emergency surgery to prevent her death . We later learned it was from septic shock due to an infection. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, none of the family was allowed to be with her, but she was experiencing multiple organ failure as well as a long list of other issues, and according to her doctors she had a very low chance of survival.

But family, friends, and God’s people all prayed for a miracle. I truly believe prayer works and, miraculously and against all odds, Andrea is still alive—she’s a sepsis survivor! The damage to Andrea’s hands, feet, and nose was irreversible, however. In addition to those amputations, we anticipate several more surgeries, and they all present different risks. Andrea is currently in the burn unit to treat open flesh wounds. She has been enduring the agony of skin grafting. Pain management has been challenging and complicated, especially since we can’t be with her physically during these devastating events that have brought permanent changes to her entire life and future. 

While this isn’t the life any of us had planned for Andrea, we know God is in control. We hope to facilitate as much independence as Andrea can achieve in the future, and we want to show Andrea that she’s NOT in this alone. Though all of us are still grieving the loss of Andrea’s limbs, we are trying to stay focused for the moment on her recovery.

Prosthetics will be the first major need. She already told me she would like to start with her hands. We’ve created a list of other supports that we believe will be invaluable in helping Andrea lead an independent, fulfilling life—from a wheelchair to home modifications. We are seeking to minimize the limitations of her disability.

Andrea has some tough days ahead for sure, and she’s a fighter…but we want to show her that she has an army family and friends…and friends of friends…and even loving and generous strangers who care. Andrea, as well as those of us who love her, will be eternally grateful for anything you can do to help Andrea achieve a brighter future. Monetary gifts will be put toward medical expenses, prosthetics, equipment and therapy that will increase Andrea’s independence and improve her quality of life. 

We covet your prayers most of all. Please share this page if you are so inclined, and reach out to us with any information or resources that you feel could be helpful to us as we navigate these uncharted waters in our efforts to help Andrea.

God bless you