STOKESDALE, N.C. (WGHP) — On New Year’s Eve 2023, Cassandra Marshall of Stokesdale, North Carolina, thought she would be welcoming in a new year with a bad case of the flu.
She knew the drill: meds, rest and hydration.
A day later, she couldn’t breathe and was rushed to the hospital. The next time she woke up, she was told both of her arms and legs would need to be amputated.
“It was septic shock from strep and flu B,” said Marshall.
Sepsis is when the body has an extreme response to an infection, and it’s often deadly.
“I went downhill from there,” she said.
Marshall was flown by helicopter to Duke University Hospital, almost dying twice and requiring drastic intervention.
“They saved my life. That’s what saved my life, taking my limbs,” said Marshall.
Marshall has been a quadruple amputee for two years. She has learned how to use leg prosthetics and an arm prosthetic with help.
“I’ve been able to learn how to brush the girl’s hair again, get them ready for school,” she said.
The hurdles, though, keep coming. Recent changes to Medicaid meant she no longer qualifies and they’re still trying to get disability benefits.
“I’ve been denied for disability four times,” said Marshall.
A second robotic arm would cost the family $19,000 out of pocket. Without Medicaid and disability, the new year means she will have to do physical therapy on her own, too.
The appeals, applications and paperwork are just her latest battle.
She’s fought worse.
“You feel like you’re in a dream, but when you wake up, it’s your reality. There is nothing I can change. I am learning to accept it.”
Surrounded by her children following a family Christmas, Marshall has faith her family will persevere… with their village behind them.
“Our community has been so good to us, my church, our community, my husband’s job, our friends and family, my aid, they have been so good to us, and we are blessed,” she said.
Marshall has made a lot of progress this past year, learning how to climb stairs, feed herself and more. Her next dream, if she can get that second grasping arm, is to be able to drive again one day.
They are raising money through crowdfunding, plate sales and more. Learn more here.
