Despite the grim 30 to 70 percent mortality rate, Kennen’s incredible resilience allowed her to survive. However, she encountered ongoing challenges over the subsequent years, ultimately leading to the loss of one leg below the knee and all her fingers and toes to the harrowing effects of the “flesh-eating bacteria.” In a 2019 interview with CTV News, she shared her struggles:
“It’s been difficult. My foremost objective has always been to be there for my boys.”
Following the amputation, every task became doubly challenging for Kennen, prompting her decision to pursue a prosthetic limb for improved mobility. A GoFundMe page was established by a friend to assist with the expenses, eventually enabling her to acquire a prosthetic leg in 2019. She underwent rigorous physiotherapy to relearn walking with her new limb, a journey that was documented by Inside Edition, during which she reflected:
“I feel a mixture of happiness and excitement, yet there’s also a tinge of sadness, considering the circumstances that brought me to this point.”
Since then, Kennen has courageously used her experience to raise awareness and caution others about this rare affliction. Speaking to CTV News, she emphasized:
“My primary goal is to educate people about the possibility of this happening and to ensure they are aware of the signs and symptoms, which I unfortunately didn’t recognize.”
