In February, Brie Morgan Bauer (35) was 27 weeks pregnant when she began feeling achy, like she had the flu. But when she went to the hospital, doctors discovered she was in labor and her baby was in distress. She was rushed into an emergency C-section.

That was the last thing she remembered before falling into a 10-day coma.

On February 17, she gave birth to her son, Beau, who weighed just 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg). Shortly after, Morgan developed severe complications: heavy bleeding, dangerously low blood pressure, and a Group A strep infection that led to toxic shock syndrome — a rare but life-threatening condition that can cause multi-organ failure.

Doctors placed her on a ventilator, started dialysis, and kept her sedated while searching for the cause. Her condition worsened when her blood lost the ability to clot properly. To save her life, doctors had to perform a hysterectomy and remove infected, dead tissue. She later underwent multiple additional surgeries, including the removal of part of her bowel.

Although she survived, the damage was devastating. Due to lack of blood flow, her arms and legs became necrotic, and she had to undergo multiple amputations across more than a dozen surgeries between March and April.

When Morgan finally woke up, she struggled to process what had happened. She spoke about the deep sense of loss, but chose to face it with strength — and even moments of humor.

Meeting her newborn son became her greatest motivation:
“Knowing he was alive and thriving was all I wanted… even though I couldn’t hold him the way I used to.”

Doctors explain that pregnant and postpartum women are at higher risk of invasive Group A strep infections, which can escalate rapidly into toxic shock if not treated in time.

After months of treatment, Beau was able to go home in May, and Morgan followed in late June. She is now undergoing rehabilitation, learning to use a power wheelchair and prosthetics.

Despite everything she has lost, Morgan remains determined:
“I’ve lost so much… but I’m still here. And I’m going to keep fighting.”