Former Marine fights for life against flesh-eating bacteria

A Georgia mother of two and former Marine is currently fighting for her life against a flesh-eating bacteria as doctors warn she may lose multiple limbs.

Cindy Martinez, 34, was rushed to Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on May 25, after complaining of severe shoulder pain. Doctors remain uncertain as to how she contracted the bacteria called necrotizing fasciitis, which is usually introduced to the body through an open wound, WSBTV.com reported.

According to a GoFundMe account created to help the family with medical fees, Martinez has already undergone several surgeries to remove muscles that are effectively dead due to the aggressive bacteria.

Friends and family are relying on their faith throughout the ordeal “praying for another miracle,” as Martinez faces the possibility of losing her hands and feet.

“When we first got here, it was minute by minute, hour by hour,” David Martinez, Cindy’s husband, told WSBTV.com. “We have two children together. Our son is 5 and our daughter is 2-years-old.”

“They miss mom,” he told WSBTV.com. “Every day they’re starting to ask me more and more ‘When is she coming home,’ and I tell them, ‘She’s not coming home for a while.’”

According to the CDC, keeping open wounds cleaned is way to avoid getting an infection from this type of bacteria. Officials suggest draining and covering cuts with dry, clean bandages as well as washing your hands often with soap and water. People should also avoid using hot tubs and pools while a wound is still open.