Delilah Mendez, a 14-year-old volleyball player at Casa Grande Union High School, is home two months after she collapsed at practice and doctors amputated the lower half of her left leg.
A previously unknown heart condition caused the health crisis, and doctors determined she needed surgery right away, Arizona's Family reported. The amputation was not part of the collapse itself. It followed complications after she reached the hospital.
The Call From Practice
Rosie Mendez received a call saying her daughter had passed out. She initially thought Delilah was dehydrated, or that the problem was minor.
Mendez was rushed to a local hospital and then flown to Phoenix Children's Hospital. She was placed on a heart and lung machine to keep her alive and underwent urgent treatment.
Complications and a Two-Month Stay
Complications led to blood clots and circulation problems. Doctors amputated the lower half of her left leg.
She spent two months in the hospital. Friends, family and teammates supported her. Her volleyball team sent cards, and her best friend visited.
Home on Crutches
Mendez is walking with crutches and getting stronger every day. At home she plays video games and spends time with her younger brothers.
She has said she wants to "learn how to walk again with a prosthetic and do all the things I used to do," FOX10 reported. She plans to walk and play volleyball again with a prosthetic. Rosie Mendez believes her daughter will return to the court.
Classmates have made signs and T-shirts to raise money for Mendez and her family as they deal with rising medical bills. A GoFundMe has also been set up to help.
