Kentucky nurse finds silver lining, spreads message of hope after losing hands and legs
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Lincoln County woman is adjusting to a new normal after losing the use of her hands and legs but is finding a silver lining in encouraging others to take nothing for granted.
Lucinda “Cindy” Mullins is a longtime nurse, raising two sons with her husband and high school sweetheart, DJ Mullins.
In December, Mullins was treated for a kidney stone.
“They didn’t think it would cause any problems,” said Mullins. “So, I left the stent in and took it out at home on Sunday, just like normal. Then I started feeling kind of bad.”
That’s when her health took a turn for the worse.
“My husband found me on the bathroom floor,” said Mullins. “I was hollering for him, and he was like, ‘Something’s not right. We’ve got to go to the hospital.’”
Mullins became septic and was put on a ventilator. Doctors saved her life but at the cost of losing circulation in her hands and legs. She woke up to the unthinkable.
“I did lose my legs bilaterally from the knees down, and I will lose my hands sometime this month,” said Mullins.
She told FOX 56 that she’s at peace with the cards she’s been dealt because of her faith. This obstacle has shown her the importance of cherishing every moment, even the small things.
“I mean, a drink of water,” said Mullins. “To take a shower in a shower. To see your family. To know that you get to see your kids again. I didn’t think I was going to get that chance and to have that chance again and to know that I get to go home with my family is the most important thing to me.”
Mullins said she hopes others recognize God’s faithfulness in every step of this situation.
“And if this changes somebody’s perspective, if somebody gets saved because of this, you know, that made it all worth it,” said Mullins.
Mullins said recovery in the weeks and months ahead will be challenging, but she finds motivation in getting back to enjoying life with her husband and children.
She told FOX 56 that she’s beyond grateful for the unbelievable amount of support she and her family have received during this time.
If you would like to show your support for the Mullins family as they navigate through this difficult time, you can visit their GoFundMe page.
