The family of a Texas man given just a four perfect chance of survival have documented his recovery after he was diagnosed with a so-called 'silent killer' infection.
TikTok user Michelle has been using the platform to share updates on her brother, Steven, after he fell sick in 2022.
In one of her first videos, Michelle explained that Steven was initially 'turned away' from a number of hospitals who believed he was making up his illness, even when he started 'vomiting blood'.
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It wasn't until Steven started struggling to breathe that he was finally admitted to hospital, where doctors discovered he had a 'rare bacteria' in his bloodstream, which was 'shutting down all of his organs'.
A GoFundMe page set up for Steven 'declined fast', being diagnosed with double pneumonia, flu and ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).
"He is severely septic and in shock," it said. Sepsis happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body as a result.
Sepsis is life threatening, but can be hard to spot. Symptoms include the flu or a chest infection; acting confused, slurred speech or not making sense; and blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
It was determined that Steven would need open heart surgery in an attempt to save his life, but he was initially too weak to undergo the procedure.
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He was put into a coma for three weeks before finally having his surgery in November 2022.
During his time in hospital, Steven's family were told he was 'brain dead' and that he should be 'taken off life support'. His diagnosis had just a four percent survival rate - but even if he did wake up, they were allegedly told he 'wouldn't walk again'.
But the family refused to give up hope, and over time Steven was able to make progress with his recovery.
Beating 'all odds', Steven was able to move to a wheelchair, and eventually able to walk again thanks to his perseverance and the support of his family.
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"We never gave up hope," Michelle wrote in one video. "We knew he was fighting just as hard as the doctors were.
"When he tried to smile when I said he was doing great... we knew at that moment doctors were wrong about no brain activity. He just needed time."
Steven's GoFundMe page explained that his wife didn't leave his side while he was in hospital, making an impact on their income.
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"We are trying to raise funds to help ease their worries and help pay their bills including medical," the page says, adding: "Steven doesn’t have insurance. This is going to be a long road if he pulls [through] this and we appreciate all the help we can get. "
Following its creation in 2022, the page has raised more than $8,000 of its $15,000 goal. If you'd like to donate, click here.
Emily Brown