The story of young Ryan and his family is a poignant reminder of the profound and unpredictable twists and turns that life can take, as well as a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit. It all started with a seemingly innocent runny nose, a common occurrence in the lives of young children. Little did Ryan’s parents, Jessica and Sam, know that this seemingly minor symptom would set off a life-changing journey full of unimaginable challenges and ultimately triumph over adversity.
Ryan, the younger brother of four-year-old Rory, came into the world on November 3, 2021, to the delight of Jessica and Sam Lines, a young Australian couple. In the early days, he was a bundle of energy and curiosity, his cheeky demeanor brightening their lives. However, the unexpected journey began on December 8 when Ryan woke up with a cold. At first, the participating parents did not think too much about it, because such minor ailments are part of every child’s upbringing.
As the hours ticked by on that fateful day, the once exuberant Ryan underwent a transformation that no parent could have been prepared for. He gradually grew weaker, still lethargic and exhibiting unusual behavior, becoming clingy, whiny, and disturbingly quiet. For Jessica, the sight of her son not behaving as usual was deeply disturbing.
Concerned for their child’s well-being, Jessica and Sam made the fateful decision to rush him to the emergency room, seeking answers and reassurance. However, what they heard from the medical staff was far from reassuring. At first, they were told that Ryan’s symptoms were just the result of teething, a common explanation for mild discomfort in infants. But as every parent knows, the bond between them and their child is one of the most powerful instincts in the world. Jessica and Sam trusted their instincts and knew something more serious was brewing.
When Ryan’s condition did not improve the next morning, his parents rushed him to the hospital once more and insisted on more tests.
His family was informed that he was suffering from a life-threatening Streptococcus infection, commonly referred to as Strep A, which started as a cold.
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After severe blood clotting deprived his limbs of oxygen, Ryan was airlifted from his home in the inland mining town of Broken Hill to the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital, where he underwent multiple amputations over the next four months.
After Ryan survived, doctors informed Jessica and Sam that he would suffer brain damage and lose sensation in his hands, feet, and face.
Jessica stated, “Thankfully, that’s not the case.” Jessica told ABC News that her husband’s only other symptoms were muscle pain and decreased urination. “It’s crazy to think that he just had a common cold and sore throat and that it turned into something so serious,” Jessica said.
Jessica shared the terrifying experience with her co-parents on Facebook on January 8, writing: “I remember them telling me every day for a month that he wasn’t going to make it, that he was in cardiac arrest and they were doing CPR.” After a month of walking out and witnessing CPR being performed on my child screaming and begging them to stop, the post continues, “After 10 minutes I heard the words ‘we got him back.’
The infant’s feet and “perfect feet” were to be removed in February.
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Ryan also underwent surgery to amputate all of his fingertips and several fingers, according to a GoFundMe set up to help the family pay for future home changes and outrageous medical expenses.
Jessica is now speaking out against childhood sepsis, advising people to follow their ‘parental instincts’. “You know your child best, so if you feel like something isn’t right, keep going until you get answers.”
Group A streptococcal infections
Bacteria belonging to group A are often detected on the skin and in the pharynx. Commonly referred to as strep throat, sore throats are often caused by group A streptococcal infections.
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Invasive cases of group A streptococcus in the United States are estimated at 14,000 to 25,000 per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It states: “In the last five years, between 1,500 and 2,300 people die each year from invasive group A streptococcus”
Typical signs include:
It is very cold to the touch; has very pale, mottled, or bluish skin; breathing rapidly; experiencing convulsions
has a rash that won’t go away when touched.
It is incredibly slow or difficult to wake up
For children under the age of five:
without food or drink
vomiting repeatedly for 12 hours without urinating
On October 3, 2023, Jessica shared a video showing Ryan learning to walk again with the help of a caregiver.
Regarding her “superhero Sepsy”, she comments: “So proud, one day at a time.”
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“We still have a very long way to go, but we are so grateful that our little boy is still with us,” says Jessica. “Always trust your gut – if you feel like something isn’t right, don’t take no for an answer.”
And although Sam and Jessica don’t know what the future holds for Ryan, they still want to “give him the best life possible.”
“Everyone is so surprised he survived and the outcome was more positive than we thought.” She continued: “Our little boy is such a miracle, but the reality is that Ryan was very ill.”
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We’re thrilled that Ryan made it through the hardest part. He’s such a little trooper. We hope the family recovers soon and can’t wait to see the cute young lad running around on his new legs!
As Ryan’s second birthday approaches, the Lines family faces a long and uncertain journey. Their journey is marked by both the challenges of the past and the hope for a better future. The strength, love, and support they have received from their community and beyond is an invaluable source of encouragement.
Despite the exact assumptions, the outcome of Ryan’s story was more positive than anyone could have expected. She is truly a small miracle, a testament to the incredible power of resilience, the unwavering determination of parents, and the importance of trusting one’s instincts when it comes to the health and well-being of our loved ones.
In conclusion, the remarkable journey of Ryan and his family reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. It’s a story of courage, tenacity, and unwavering love, and it serves as a powerful reminder that despite life’s darkest moments, there is always hope, love, and the potential for miracles. We wish the Lines family continued strength, healing, and a future filled with joy, and we look forward to the day when the young boy runs on his new legs, a testament to the power of love and determination.