Oakleigh Ryan Nance, an Oklahoma infant born prematurely at just three pounds, faces serious kidney and heart conditions complicated by recurring, antibiotic-resistant infections. After an early stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, where staff nicknamed her “Miss Sassy,” Oakleigh grew normally and remained healthy for several months.

Her health problems began with a high fever and a severe urinary tract infection that reached her kidneys. Although antibiotics initially reduced the fever, the infection returned, leading to months of illness and further hospital testing. Doctors found stage 3 kidney reflux, a condition that allows urine to flow back toward the kidneys. Her left kidney reportedly had only 22% function. Tests also revealed a moderate atrial septal defect and pulmonary stenosis, which her family planned to discuss with a cardiologist after kidney surgery.

Oakleigh was scheduled for an approximately four-and-a-half-hour operation to correct the reflux and reduce the risk of future infections. One account also describes an antibiotic-resistant strain of *Pseudomonas* associated with her infections. Another reports that, at 11 months old, Oakleigh was diagnosed with a critical, antibiotic-resistant E. coli infection while awaiting surgery. Her family said doctors had limited treatment options after her exposure to several antibiotics, and the CDC was investigating how she contracted the infection.

*Pseudomonas aeruginosa* is a common bacterium that can cause minor conditions such as swimmer’s ear and hot-tub rash, but it can produce dangerous infections in people who are ill or vulnerable. It may spread through medical equipment or enter the body through wounds, IV lines and catheters. Symptoms vary by the site of infection; if it reaches the bloodstream, serious symptoms can include high fever, chills, confusion and shock. Treatment can be difficult because the bacteria resist many antibiotics.

Oakleigh’s family says faith and support from loved ones have helped sustain them through her illness. They also established a GoFundMe account to help cover medical expenses.