Model Claire Bridges, 21, loses both legs to covid-19 complications

Covid-19 arrived in the world in late 2019 and normal life for most began to change. The coronavirus has taken millions of people’s lives in the United States and around the globe, and has left many more with serious consequences. One of those is Carolyn Claire Bridges, the 21-year-old model born in the city of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Claire Bridges: young model lost legs in covid battle

Bridges was born with heart problems, which made her a patient with an increased risk of serious complications if she contracted covid-19. And this was demonstrated in a horrific fashion. She has been in Tampa General Hospital since 16 January, initially admitted with covid-19 and severe leg pain, and has only now been able to leave to celebrate her 21st birthday.

Two months "fighting for her life" and, as part of her survival she had to face the amputation of both her legs. This despite her being vaccinated.

The family of Bridges have made her story public through GoFundMe, where they are seeking to raise money to aid her recovery. She was diagnosed with not only myocarditis due to covid-19, but also rhabdomyolysis (where the muscle tissue breaks down and then passes into the blood), cyanotic, acidosis and mild pneumonia. She was admitted to the ICU on life support, but she was so ill and weak that her heart stopped, forcing the emergency teams to perform resuscitation.

The medical team were able to save her life in the end, but the damage to her legs was too extensive to save them and avoid further danger to her health, hence the decision to amputate.

Claire’s fight to adapt to new life

Little by little, Carolyn has been recovering, and she has shared details of her progress on Instagram, posting pictures of her achievements, including when she was able to sit down for the first time. Now, the young model is trying to adapt to her new life using a wheelchair.

The family continue their fund raising efforts through crowdfunding platforms as private healthcare costs are sky high. The fundraising is currently around 110,000 dollars and they have a target of 150,000 dollars. Below are a few words from Heather, Claire’s roommate in Florida.

This is Claire, AKA Clurby.

She's a daughter, sister, and best friend. She's a model and a kavatender.

A young woman full of life and love, who radiates positive energy. Her laugh lights up any room. Most of all, she's hysterical... and sorry, James, but she is the captain.

Claire has been fighting for her life since Sunday, Jan 16th. She was born with a serious heart condition and after contracting COVID, she was quickly in the ICU on life support. She is only 20 years old. Due to complications and life-threatening infection, she will lose both of her legs to amputation.

Claire's friends and family want to raise money to help pay for her medical and living expenses. They want to make sure Claire has nothing to worry about when she comes back home. She will have to make major adjustments into a new way of life and any funds raised can help ease some of the challenges she may experience with medical and living experiences. Anything helps!