# @childrenscolo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DPmPTzZk-AX
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68564228-childrenscolo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/55e8801fb7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-10-09T17:50:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Children's Hospital Colorado (@ChildrensColo) — https://gondola.cc/ChildrensColo

## Caption

Annabelle was only in the water for a few moments before her life changed forever. While scuba diving with her family off the coast of Belize, two sharks attacked her hands and right leg. Miraculously, she made it to the surface — alive but losing blood fast. 

A boat and helicopter got Annabelle to Belize, where doctors amputated her leg to save her life. After a long stay in Miami for further surgery and revisions, she returned home to Colorado only to face a new battle: an incredible rare infection that required more treatment from our experts. 

“I had only ever heard about this infection in textbooks,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. Julia Sanders.

Dr. Sanders worked through the uncharted waters, collaborated with our infectious disease experts and performed five surgeries to preserve the function of Annabelle's right leg.
 
“It’s definitely been a journey,” Annabelle says. 

“The fact that she’s here on Earth is amazing and we definitely had some angels help us along the way,” her mom, Kellie, says. “The care has been amazing, and I feel like we’re in the best hands." 

Today, Annabelle has gone back to the activities she loved before the attack. She’s even returned to scuba diving in the ocean. 

“I’m motivated to progress socially, academically and physically,” Annabelle says. 

The lingering infection has held her back at times, but it hasn’t slowed her purpose.

“I’m just happy I’m alive and doing as well as I am,” Annabelle says.

#HereItsDifferent #AmputeeStrong #LimbLoss #SharkAttackSurvivor

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,170
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 8

## Tags

amputeestrong, sharkattacksurvivor, hereitsdifferent, limbloss

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