In August 2007, Merlyna Valentine was an elementary school principal planning for another school year in LaPlace, Louisiana, when she first felt an excruciating pain in her side.
While she waited for treatment, a nearly 10mm kidney stone caused a blockage, which allowed an infection to spread throughout her body. She experienced sepsis and complications including renal, heart, and respiratory failure. Blood flow to her limbs was compromised and eventually caused the tissue in her hands and feet to die, resulting in amputation.
