A young soccer player was rushed to hospital after contracting a form of the flu to only have both his legs amputated just days before his 21st birthday.
On December 7, 2022, Levi Dewey from Willington, UK, had been displaying symptoms of the illness as well as having breathing difficulties which later led to him contracting sepsis - a life-threatening infection that causes an extreme chain reaction throughout the body.
His condition deteriorated to the point that his body went into septic shock and he was diagnosed with multi-organ failure.
Doctors soon discovered that Levi, who has since turned 21, was suffering from influenza B and pneumococcal pneumonia.
As per the Independent, Levi’s family was told he only had a 30 percent chance of survival leaving them understandably devastated.
Speaking of the difficult period, Lara Dewey, Levi's mom said: "We were told fairly early on that Levi could potentially lose his legs and need an operation, we were prepared for this outcome if it was to save his life.
"Obviously, it’s going to be life-changing for everyone, but this is something we can work through as a family and we have such a strong and positive support network. Levi has always had a positive mindset and his glass is always half full."
Images supplied to the outlet show Levi in critical condition lying on a bed in Royal Derby Hospital where he was receiving treatment for the fierce infection.
As his condition continued to destabilize, Levi was transferred to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester where he had to get ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) as well as full organ support. Eventually, he was put into an induced coma and gradually taken off of specialist equipment as his body started functioning on its own.
However, despite the seemingly good news, when he was taken back to the first medical facility, he was notified that due to the extent of the sepsis, he would need to have both of his legs amputated below the knee.
As per his GoFundMe page, which was set up to raise money to help Levi walk again, his family wrote that Levi was "optimistic about his future" despite the tragic news.
"We want Levi to have the best possible quality of life as a double amputee and therefore want to raise money to help with his recovery and the move from hospital to home," the description continued. "Later, once he has learnt to walk, we would like to provide him the best bespoke prosthetic legs so he is able to live as independent life as possible, enjoying the many activities he did before this tragic event changed his life forever."
Lara, 47, explained to the outlet that initially they were planning on raising £10,000 ($12,300) for her son, but the current amount which stands at £80,005 ($98,500) thanks to the generosity of strangers has exceeded their expectations.
"It’s overwhelming and emotional and we are all speechless. It’s amazing how supportive friends, family, colleagues, communities, and also strangers have been towards this cause and also their generosity.
"Initially the money will be used to buy Levi a wheelchair and for home improvements, including ramps and showering facilities. Once he’s able to walk again we will look at buying him the best prosthetic limbs possible privately and any further equipment he will need."