Stomach Pain to Limb Loss: A Shocking Turn of Events
Donation protected
Chris, Brittany’s brother, and Mel, her best friend, are leading this fundraiser on behalf of Brittany and her amazing fiance, Adrean, and 12 year old child, Rowan. Please help them through this tragic, life altering health crisis.
Brittany’s Story
A week before Thanksgiving, Brittany was rushed to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. Within hours, she was in the operating room undergoing the first of numerous surgeries. Each procedure tragically took more and more from her limbs.
The amputations saved Britt’s life while she lay unconscious, unaware of the life-altering procedures taking place. A week later, she woke from the sepsis, but was still intubated and unaware that she was now an amputee.
It was heartbreaking when she was finally conscious enough to be aware of her body and discovered the devastating reality that both of her legs, left hand, and half of her left forearm, had all been removed.
Britt had contracted Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the same bacteria that causes strep throat. In her case, it entered her bloodstream, leading to toxic shock sepsis. This “flesh-eating bacteria" spread rapidly through her body, attacking her extremities. While her right hand was spared, the damage and loss of sensation in most fingers makes even simple tasks—like brushing her teeth or holding a fork—a struggle.
She will remain hospitalized for at least another month as she works to regain her strength and relearn how to live as independently as possible.
A Family of Love and Unbreakable Bonds
Britt is a fighter and a warrior with a beautiful smile and an indomitable spirit. She’s immensely talented and creative—an artist, photographer, pianist, and gardener (to name a few). She’s also a loving partner to her devoted fiance, Adrean, and an amazing parent to her 12-year-old, Rowan. But what truly sets Brittany apart is her compassion—she is a fierce advocate for the underdogs of humanity, dedicating her life to standing up for the overlooked and fighting for justice with unwavering courage. Her creativity, kindness, strength, and deep empathy leave a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
Adrean has been her rock; tirelessly splitting time between the hospital, caring for Rowan, and navigating the healthcare system, all while continuing to manage their home and daily responsibilities. Every aspect of their lives has been so profoundly affected by this tragedy.
How You Can Help Britt Embrace Her Future
While most people would give up hope of walking again, Britt is determined to work toward hiking and even skiing again one day. They’re ambitious goals, especially with both of her legs amputated above the knee. But despite these challenges, we want to help her reach those goals to give her the best quality of life. We are asking for your support to hopefully provide her with the following:
- Motorized wheelchair equipped for one-handed use
- Handicapped accessible van
- Modifications to her home to accommodate a motorized wheelchair
- Home medical supplies and equipment for triple amputees
- In-home care attendants
- High-quality prosthetics, which vastly range in price depending on their capabilities
This last one is her greatest wish. We want Britt to have access to the best prosthetics available for her specific needs. Above-knee prosthetics can cost upwards of $70,000 dollars each due to their complexity (including the knee joint mechanisms), and Britt needs two of them.
We recognize our fundraising goal may seem high. However, the expenses are quite substantial, and we were surprised to discover that even essential equipment isn't covered by insurance. Still, we believe that Britt’s incredible support system will come together to make the miracles she needs a reality.
Every dollar raised will make a meaningful difference in her journey forward. No donation is too small, as small contributions add up quickly. If you are unable to donate, please share to help us reach as many people as possible.
Immense Gratitude
Thank you for taking the time to read and share Brittany’s story. We are excited to update you on her continued progress, every (literal) step of the way.
Your thoughts, prayers, well wishes, and donations serve as constant reminders that, even in moments of tragedy and loss, the love of family, friends, and compassionate strangers can shine through—illuminating the promise of a beautiful life still ahead.
Organizer and beneficiary
Mel and Chris
Organizer
Rochester, NY
Adrean Childers
Beneficiary