A Walk Turned Nightmare: Toddler Survives Double Rattlesnake Bite, Family Questions Delays in Care
What began as a peaceful afternoon stroll near their home quickly spiraled into a harrowing ordeal no parent ever anticipates.
How did a tiny 15-month-old girl end up suffering not one, but two rattlesnake bites on her foot? And why did crucial minutes tick by before she received the life-saving antivenom that could mean the difference between recovery and lasting harm? As Cara’s family wrestles with these questions, their fears extend beyond her health to the troubling delays in emergency care that shadow this terrifying experience.
A Sudden Crisis in Florence, Arizona
On Friday, Cara’s world—and that of her family—changed in an instant. The toddler was playing close to home when a diamondback rattlesnake struck her foot twice, piercing the skin through the small openings of her jelly shoe. Her mother, Jacquelyn Reed, had stepped away for just moments to toss out the trash when she heard the sudden cries.
“When I turned back, I saw her crying with four distinct puncture marks on her foot. Behind her, coiled and poised, was the rattlesnake,” Jacquelyn recalled, her voice heavy with disbelief.
In a panic, Jacquelyn scooped Cara up and rushed her to the nearest emergency room, calling ahead to ensure antivenom was ready. But what followed was agonizing—a delay of over an hour before the hospital could begin treatment. By then, Cara’s foot had started turning black, a grim sign of the venom’s spread.
A Fight for Life
Cara’s condition quickly deteriorated: she vomited and fainted, necessitating an emergency airlift to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. There, she was administered 30 vials of antivenom—and counting. Her breathing worsened to the point that doctors had to intubate her, marking the start of an arduous recovery.
After several tense days, Cara’s breathing tube was removed. But the relief was short-lived. Her oxygen levels fluctuated dangerously, and specialists soon identified severe swelling of her vocal cords—nearly closing off her airway. Doctors sprang into action with steroids, respiratory therapies, and a specialized oxygen-helium mix to ease her breathing.
“She was so fragile; any delay in improvement meant another surgery and reintubation,” Cara’s aunt Delia shared from the hospital bedside.
With prayers and hope, Cara fought back. Slowly, her breathing stabilized, and she began to eat again through a feeding tube. Her family describes her now as alert and responsive, visibly upset when her mother isn’t nearby—a small but powerful sign of her resilience.
Facing an Uncertain Future
Despite these victories, Cara’s journey is far from over. The family has been told that her injuries are among the most severe seen from rattlesnake bites, raising serious concerns about the potential for permanent damage to her foot.
“We’re monitoring her closely. Surgery may be needed, but we’re hoping for the best,” Delia said, her tone tempered with cautious optimism.
Jacquelyn echoes this hope, calling Cara “the angel of our family” and dreaming of the day her daughter will run and play again like any carefree toddler.
Gratitude Amidst Struggle
Though the ordeal has been terrifying, Cara’s family finds comfort in the overwhelming support from friends, neighbors, and strangers. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $17,000 to assist with medical bills, a testament to the love surrounding the little girl.
“We’re incredibly thankful she’s still with us,” Delia wrote. “Cara is a blessing, and it’s clear her survival is a miracle fueled by faith, prayers, and the care of everyone who loves her.”
A Powerful Reminder
Cara’s story is a poignant reminder of how quickly everyday moments can turn perilous—and how vital timely medical intervention is. While her future remains uncertain, her strength and the devotion of those by her side offer hope that she will one day return to her joyful, smiling self.
For now, each small sign of progress is a victory. Cara’s survival speaks volumes about courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family in the face of life’s most frightening trials.