Spoonie Mom Blog

This is devastating! - E. coli Infection Causes Senior United Flight Attendant to Lose Both Legs and a Hand in Life-or-Death Battle

Sara Dorman spent 25 fulfilling years flying the skies as a senior flight attendant for one of the world’s largest airlines. But her decades-long career came to a devastating halt recently, when a sudden E. coli infection led to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), ultimately costing her both legs and her right hand.

It all unfolded in a matter of days. One moment, Sara was jet-setting across the globe; the next, she was lying in a hospital bed in a medically induced coma, fighting for her life. Her ordeal began when she started feeling gravely ill and sought help at an emergency room in Libertyville, Illinois. What followed was a nightmare. Within hours, she descended into septic shock and acute kidney failure. As her body shut down with terrifying speed, doctors rushed to determine the cause, placing her in a coma to stabilize her condition.

Just two days after she admitted herself to the hospital, Sara was given less than 12 hours to live. Her husband, Ray, and son Lucas stood vigil at her bedside as doctors worked to save her. Diagnosis after diagnosis emerged until they identified the root of it all: a dangerous strain of E. coli that triggered Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening complication.

True to the nature of flight attendants, Sara fought hard to survive. With each passing day, her chances improved. Eventually, she was able to be removed from life support. However, the infection had already caused irreversible damage. Due to the severity of her condition, both of her legs and her right hand had to be amputated. The life-saving procedures ended her more than two-decade career in aviation, one she had dedicated herself to with pride and passion.

With her life saved, Sara now begins a new journey filled with challenges and obstacles. She must adjust to life without her legs and hand while navigating costly rehabilitation that is not covered by insurance. Along with a growing mountain of medical expenses, Sara and her family must also modify their home to support mobility aids and create a living environment suited to her new needs.

Colleagues, friends, and family have stepped in to offer support through donations via a fundraiser (posted below) created to help lighten the heavy burden Sara and her husband now carry.

Sara’s friends say they admire her determination to face the challenges ahead with courage and grace. They say her unyielding strength is an inspiration, and they believe that with love, support, and perseverance, she will embrace her new normal and rebuild her life. Outside of her career caring for others on airplanes, Sara has always been someone who extended love and support to those around her. Now, they hope the world will return that same kindness as she emerges from the most turbulent journey of her life.
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How to help:

• Consider a donation through the link below
• Leave an encouraging comment for Sara to read and include where you are writing from
• Share this story so others have the chance to help

Thank you for always being United By Wings