9-year-old girl loses leg but stays positive
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It was a heartfelt reunion at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, as a little girl whose leg had to be amputated this spring met with the medical staff that helped save her life.
Her name is Allyson Kimani. She just celebrated her ninth birthday and she will soon be getting her prosthetic leg.
Until then, she walks the hallways of Riley Hospital on her own. No nurse, no doctor, just her crutches. That, and a whole lot of willpower as strong as her innocence.
“I’m just looking forward to running and playing with my friends again. They’ve been asking me for a long time when I’m going to get my leg, and so I just want to play with them again and be on my bike and stuff,” Allyson Kimani said.
A lot has changed for Allyson. A severe battle with respiratory distress landed her in a Hospital in Fort Wayne, and eventually at Riley Hospital here in Indianapolis. Her mom, Amanda Kimani, said it all began in March.
“The Sunday before that, we found out she had Influenza A, her oxygen levels were between 70 and 76 going back and forth. The doctor tells me she has to be rushed to Riley, if she couldn’t get a room here there, was only a five percent chance of her surviving,” Amanda Kimani said.
Medics quickly flew her by medical helicopter to Riley and medical teams were able to save her life. But after 16 hours of surgery, part of her right leg would have to be removed.
“Because the machine was hooked up to her leg, there was no blood flow, no oxygen, her foot was dying and it was just coming up her leg, so March 18 they actually had to amputate her leg.” Amanda Kimani said.
On Wednesday, Allyson met the medics who flew her to Riley and helped save her life.
“There was touch-and-go the whole way. Just to see her up and moving, it’s amazing,” Dan Lane said.
Amazing indeed, almost as amazing as her positive attitude.
“August 15, I have to go back to school, and I’ll be able to walk,” Allyson Kmani said.
Allyson will be getting a Hello Kitty leg, and she said ballet is one of the things she is looking forward to the most again.