Kylei Parker’s mum wants other people to learn the symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis, so they can stop the infection before it’s too late.
Countless families head to beaches along the East Coast this time of year for a little rest and relaxation. But one mom wants other parents to know that there’s a hidden danger in the waters: Kylei Parker, 12, is currently recovering from necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating bacteria, that sent her to the intensive care unit after a family vacation.
Kylei Parker and her family went on a road trip from Mooresville, Indiana to Destin, Florida, earlier this month, where they had a fun and relaxing trip. That all changed during the ride home to Indiana when the girl complained of excruciating pain in her leg — to the point where she couldn’t even walk.
“We made it to Alabama and stopped to eat and she was in a great deal of pain,” her mom, Michelle Brown, told TODAY. “I was having to carry her on my back.”
That’s when Brown decided to call her daughter’s pediatrician. She made an appointment for the next morning. By the time the family arrived home, Kylei had a fever, swollen leg and a red rash was spreading.
At first, her mother suspected it was a blood clot or a pulled muscle.
“Any movement of her leg had her in tears,” said Brown.
It wasn’t until Kylei’s pediatrician saw her that they realized just how serious her condition was. Instead of sending her to a hospital across the street, the doctor told Brown to go home, pack clothes and take Kylei to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, which specializes in children’s health.
“I was pretty calm until they told me that and then my anxiety level went from a zero to 110,” said Brown. “I was panicking, but trying to not let Kylei see me panicking.”
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