Oakleigh Ryan Nance, an 11-month-old Oklahoma infant born prematurely at three pounds, is facing serious kidney problems and recurrent bacterial infections. After spending time in neonatal intensive care, she appeared healthy for several months before developing a high fever and a severe urinary tract infection. Antibiotics initially brought down the fever, but the infection returned, leading to further hospital testing.

Doctors found that Oakleigh has stage 3 kidney reflux, a condition that allows urine to flow backward toward the kidneys. Her left kidney has only 22% function and consists of two kidney units with separate ureters. Surgery is planned to correct the reflux by shortening the ureters and removing a pocket on the outside of the kidney. The procedure is expected to take about four and a half hours. Tests also revealed two heart conditions, moderate atrial septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. After she recovers from kidney surgery, her family plans to meet with a cardiologist about further testing.

Oakleigh’s infections have included an antibiotic-resistant strain of *Pseudomonas*. The passages also report that she was later diagnosed with a critical, drug-resistant strain of *E. coli*. Her family does not know how she contracted it, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating. Her grandfather, Chris Curtis, said her previous exposure to antibiotics has left doctors with fewer treatment options. The family hopes she can overcome the infection before her scheduled kidney surgery.

Pseudomonas bacteria are common and may cause minor problems, such as swimmer’s ear or a rash. They can cause serious infections in people who are ill or vulnerable, however, and resistance to antibiotics can make treatment difficult. Symptoms depend on the site of infection; a severe infection that spreads into the bloodstream can cause fever, chills, confusion and shock.

Oakleigh’s family describes her as spirited and says faith and support from loved ones are helping them through her illness. They have also sought donations through a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses.