Introducing Amalie Henze: A Survivor's Story

A 19-year-old Canadian girl is captivating an audience globally through her heartfelt social media videos that showcase the realities of living without hands and feet—an unfortunate outcome from a severe case of sepsis.

Amalie Henze from Brantford, Ontario, has become an unexpected advocate for sepsis awareness, sharing her story with the world. "I want people to understand that sepsis can stem from a variety of infections, and it can escalate quickly," she passionately expresses.

The Onset of Illness

In October 2023, Amalie started feeling unwell, initially attributing her symptoms to her long-standing battle with Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel condition. As her condition deteriorated, she went to the emergency room, where she experienced a feeling of impending doom during the lengthy 18-hour wait for treatment.

A Mother's Fear

Her mother, Amanda Henze, recalls the chilling moment when medical staff discovered Amalie's hands and feet had turned black—indicative of severe sepsis. “It was terrifying,” Amanda shared in an interview. “They told us it was septic shock, and by then, it was almost too late.”

Understanding Sepsis

Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control and can lead to life-threatening complications involving multiple organs. It took a serious turn in Amalie's case due to a tear in her bowel, which allowed fecal matter to seep into her abdominal cavity, igniting a dangerous battle against bacterial infection.

An Induced Coma

To save her life, doctors induced a coma to stabilize her condition. Amalie's family endured three agonizing weeks filled with uncertainty, fearing for her life. Fortunately, she doesn’t remember much of that harrowing time.

Facing Reality

When Amalie awoke, she was faced with the harsh reality of needing her blackened limbs amputated to survive. “I had to do it to save my life,” she affirmed, a testament to her resilience.

Sharing Her Journey

Now, from her bedroom, Amalie shares her journey through TikTok, where she boasts nearly 50,000 followers and 3 million likes. She passionately educates others about the dangers of sepsis and demonstrates her experiences navigating life with prosthetics. In one video, she shows off her techniques for putting on her prosthetic feet, while in another, she showcases how she uses her phone and iPad with her altered limbs.

Inspiring Others

Amalie’s mother describes her daughter as a beacon of inspiration. She emphasizes the importance of sharing their experience, stating, “She’s committed to educating others about the risks of sepsis, which can often be overlooked.”

The Impact of Her Message

The impact of Amalie's message is palpable, with viewers commenting on how her videos have prompted them to seek medical attention when they previously might have overlooked signs of infection.

The Statistics

With an estimated 75,000 sepsis cases reported annually in Canada alone, Dr. Alison Fox-Robichaud, a critical care physician and scientific director of Sepsis Canada, commends Amalie's initiative in raising awareness. “Her perspective is crucial; we need to hear more from young sepsis survivors about their experiences,” she states.

Recovering and Fundraising

The road to recovery hasn’t been straightforward. Amalie spent almost four months in the hospital and rehabilitation, and her family had to adjust to their new daily routine to accommodate her needs. While prosthetic legs are assisting her mobility, Amalie's biggest goal now is to obtain prosthetic hands that could enhance her independence. Unfortunately, these prosthetics come with a staggering price tag of $500,000. With $120,000 still needed, she is determinedly fundraising to cover the gap—a reflection of her fighting spirit.

A Mother's Pride

“Seeing her work so hard to regain her independence has been heartwarming, despite the struggles we've faced,” Amanda remarked, filled with pride.

Raising Awareness

Amalie's story serves as a stark reminder of the concealed danger of sepsis, which can progress from seemingly minor infections to life-threatening conditions very rapidly. She hopes to raise awareness through her platform, encouraging people to recognize the signs of sepsis early.

A Hopeful Future

As she continues to advocate for others, Amalie also dreams of completing her high school diploma and living in a home adapted to her needs. “There’s a future out there for me, and I want to be fully independent,” she confidently shares, embodying the very essence of resilience and hope amid adversity.