Fargo teen survives fight with toxic shock syndrome

FARGO (KVRR) – Toxic shock syndrome can impact anyone, and for one Fargo teen she was on the verge of death. 14-year-old Ciara Hibl became very sick on January 2nd and was soon diagnosed with toxic shock, septic shock syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome that resulted in her being hospitalized and life flighted to the cities.

There she was hooked up to an ECMO machine to save her life.

“I was really sick. I can say that I was really sick,” said Ciara Hibl. “I basically was throwing up to the point where it was bile fluid.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, TSS is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections.

Symptoms include:

• A sudden high fever
• Low blood pressure
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• And a rash resembling a sunburn, particularly on your palms and soles

Ciara’s mom, Jessica, was by her side throughout the process not knowing if her daughter would pull through.

“There was a moment in time where they told me that she might not make it,” said Jessica Hibl I’m glad in a way they were honest with me so that I didn’t have false hope. But she just kicked butt the whole way. The fact that she is sitting here now and we’re back to somewhat of a normal life, what is a new normal for us, is more than I could ever ask for.”

During this time, many groups stepped up to support this small family in their time of need. Teammates sent out letters, people raised money to help with the growing medical bills and even a leader from their church drove out to support Ciara and Jessica.

“Can’t even explain how much grace everyone gave us. That’s literally all it boils down to that. Just the gifts without strings attached was just, I just can’t be more grateful to everyone.” said Jessica Hibl.

A couple of months later, Hibl is slowly recovering and getting back to dance and band at school in West Fargo. She’s been playing her flute and getting some stretching in with her dance team as she continues the long road to recovery.

“The band is basically my family. And so once I got back I felt better.” said Ciara Hibl.

Because she knows what it feels like when you are facing death.

People say, ‘Oh I am afraid of death’ and things like that and they don’t know what to do about it. Well I was basically almost there and I know how it was and it was really scary.”

A Lend a Hand Up fundraiser has been set up for Ciara, for more information click here.