A mum has been pictured giving a heartbreaking smile after a routine surgery led to doctors removing both of her arms and legs.
The mum-of-two, Lucinda Mullins from Kentucky, unfortunately contracted an infection which led to a quadruple amputation of all her limbs.
The 41-year-old had undergone a regular kidney stone surgery but it became infected, leaving the woman to develop sepsis.
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Following the sepsis diagnosis, doctors had no other choice but to remove Lucinda's legs as well as her arms from below the elbow point.
However, despite the tragic turn of events, Lucinda is seemingly staying positive after smiling for picture taken outside the hospital where the operation took place in a wheelchair wrapped up in bandages.
Lucinda's sister, Luci Smith, shared the pictures on social media and thanked people for their 'support, love, prayers, cards, food and visits'.
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"We would like to thank everyone again for all of the support, love, prayers, cards, food and visits (her favourite)," she added. "You guys are amazing. In the next few days we will move to Cardinal Hill for a couple weeks and then come back for hopefully her final surgery.
"Each day is a blessing from God and we will continue to praise him for the miracles he has performed. Today she got to leave the room and we ventured outside for some fresh crisp air. Keep praying and she'll keep fighting until we are finally home."
Opening up about the situation, Lucinda told LEX 18: "I've lost my legs from the knees down bilaterally and I'm going to lose my arms probably below the elbow bilaterally. The doctor I used to work with, he kind of was like, 'This is what they had to do to save your life. This is what's happened."
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Keeping up her positive attitude, she explained: "I just said these are the cards I've been dealt and these are the hands I'm going to play. I'm just so happy to be alive. I get to see my kids. I get to see my family. I get to have my time with my husband. Those are minor things at this point."
The mum also noted the community support she received following the operation, recalling: "At one time I think they told 40 people were in the waiting room here.
"The calls and the texts, the prayers and the things people have sent. The little words of encouragement."
A GoFundMe page has since been set up on behalf of Lucinda's husband, DJ, and has since raised $179,651 of the $250,000 goal.
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The fundraiser's description reads: "Lucinda Mullins, or Cindy, as most of her friends call her, is a lovely, caring, brave and beautiful young lady who has recently experienced a life-changing tragedy that will leave her as a quadruple amputee.
"Cindy and her family will have to make a few adjustments to their home to accommodate Cindy's needs as well as her prosthetics and adaptive equipment.
"The costs of all of this can be overwhelming. We started this fundraiser because we want to support our hero Cindy, as well as her husband DJ who has been by her side every step of the way."
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It continued: "Cindy and DJ have two young children who are missing their mom and dad terribly. Sometimes life is hard and there's no way around it.
"Cindy and DJ's world has come to a complete stop, but the world around them continues to move forward.
"Let's help ease their burden while they heal and get back to their lives. We hope to be able to allow Cindy to focus on her recovery. Thank you for your support!"
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
Rhiannon Ingle