Tennessee teen Mathias Uribe loses limbs after flu-like illness

Mathias Uribe, a 14-year-old from Tennessee, faced a life-threatening situation after exhibiting flu-like symptoms that escalated rapidly. His parents, Edgar and Catalina Uribe, rushed him to the hospital, where he was placed on an ECMO machine for nearly two weeks to support his heart and lungs. Unfortunately, the lack of blood flow to his extremities led to the difficult decision to amputate all four of his limbs to save his life. Despite the traumatic experience, Mathias's parents remain optimistic about his future. They believe he can still lead an amazing life, envisioning him using prosthetics to run and play the piano, which he loves. Mathias has undergone almost a dozen surgeries during his recovery at Monroe Carrel Junior Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, with more procedures anticipated. Dr. Katie Boyle, the head of Mathias's care team, highlighted the rarity of such severe complications following flu-like symptoms, emphasizing the importance of flu vaccinations and monitoring children for serious symptoms. The family is now exploring options for prosthetics and rehabilitation in Atlanta, aiming to support Mathias's recovery and adaptation to his new circumstances. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with the financial burden of his medical care and rehabilitation. The Uribe family’s resilience and hope shine through as they navigate this challenging journey, focusing on the possibilities that lie ahead for Mathias.