Oakleigh Ryan Nance, an Oklahoma infant born prematurely at three pounds, faces serious kidney and heart conditions as well as recurring antibiotic-resistant infections. After spending time in neonatal intensive care, she appeared healthy for her first six months. She later developed a high fever and a severe urinary tract infection, followed by repeated infections and hospitalizations.

Testing revealed stage 3 kidney reflux, in which urine flows back toward the kidney. Her left kidney, described as having two parts and two ureters, was functioning at 22%. Doctors scheduled an approximately four-and-a-half-hour operation to correct the reflux, shorten the ureters and remove a pocket on the outside of the kidney. Her family hoped the surgery, scheduled for the second week of August, would prevent further infections. Tests also found moderate atrial septal defect and pulmonary stenosis; after she heals from kidney surgery, the family plans to meet with a cardiologist about further testing.

One of Oakleigh’s infections involved an antibiotic-resistant strain of *Pseudomonas*. These common bacteria can cause minor conditions such as swimmer’s ear and hot tub rash, but they can also cause serious infections in people who are ill or vulnerable. They thrive in moist environments and can spread through hospital equipment, catheters and other sources. Symptoms vary with the site of infection, while a bloodstream infection can cause high fever, chills, confusion and shock. Resistance to antibiotics can make treatment difficult.

A separate report said Oakleigh, then 11 months old, had contracted a critical, antibiotic-resistant strain of *E. coli*. Her family did not know how she acquired it, and the CDC was investigating. Her grandfather said her prior exposure to antibiotics had limited treatment options and that the family hoped she would overcome the infection before surgery. Relatives described faith and family support as sources of strength and were raising money through GoFundMe to help cover her medical expenses.