A Pitt Meadows mother and daycare operator who suffered an infection that cost her the use of her hands and feet has now had all four limbs amputated.
Friends and family are rallying around Danielle Linfoot, and fundraising efforts are underway to help her purchase prosthetics.
“We’re hoping to be able to get her two hands with fingers that move,” said family friend Tracy Fasciana. “And we’re worried that they’re going to lose their house.”
Linfoot had her last two limbs amputated on April 25.
“She’s trying to smile,” said Fasciana. “She’s got really bad days, and not-so-bad days.”
Linfoot may not be done with surgeries. The doctors attempted to keep her knee on both legs, but on one leg there was so much damage from the infection that they fear they may yet have to amputate higher.
Linfoot, and her husband, Shawn Evans, have lived in Pitt Meadows for 15 years, and she is well known as the proprietor of Stepping Stones Daycare. The couple has two teenage children.
The cause of the infection is unknown. Linfoot had eczema on her leg, and was suffering from the flu. She complained that her leg was hurting. Doctors believe the illness lowered her immune system, and when she scratched her leg, a streptococcus infection could have entered her blood stream. It attacked her organs, and within hours she was hospitalized, then put on life support for 10 days.
She survived, but the tissue of her hands and feet was blackened and dead.
Doctors have now amputated her limbs, and family and friends are hoping to be able to purchase prosthetics that are better than the hooks that will be provided through medicare.
Fundraising has been brisk, with a recent pub night at the Jolly Coachman raising close to $14,000.
So far, they have raised $83,000 on a gofundme page, with a goal of $150,000.
The family is not yet aware of all the costs. For example, they recently learned there is generally a need for refitting of prosthetics, as the stump of a limb changes in shape, and the cost is $8,000 per prosthetic.
“Long-term, they are facing major expenses,” said Fasciana.
“They’re such amazing people, and they would do anything for anybody.”
A burger and beverage fundraiser goes on May 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Haney Public House, hosted by radio station Z95.3 of Vancouver.
There will be a silent auction that includes Ed Sheeran tickets and a signed Vancouver Canucks stick, 50/50 draw, toonie toss and about 35 raffle items.
About 200 tickets have been sold, but there are 75 remaining, and can be had by calling Kristy Ruggieri at 778-870-9615.
Meanwhile, the Ridge Meadows Minor Ball Hockey Association is holding its own fundraiser for the family.
It’s selling $2 raffle tickets, with a draw date of May 27. Top prize is one year’s registration of ball hockey. Tickets will be on sale in local arenas.
• Donations are being taken online at gofundme.com/helpdanielle21
There is also a Facebook page detailing fundraising initiatives at Fundraising for Danielle Linfoot.