Brie’s Story

In February 2023, Brie Morgan Bauer—a nurse, mother of two, and soon-to-be mom of three—walked into urgent care with flu-like symptoms. She had no idea her life was about to change forever.

A woman in a hospital bed with medical tubes on her face, while a young man is leaning over her, gently holding her hand and supporting her head with a blue pillow. The woman appears to be unconscious or in a critical condition, with a head band and medical equipment visible.

Brie was 27 weeks pregnant and unknowingly experiencing contractions. She was rushed to the hospital for an emergency cesarean section. Her son, Beau, was born prematurely, but Brie never got to hold him that day. She lost consciousness before the operation and wouldn’t wake up for another 10 days.

Brie was diagnosed with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS): a rare, aggressive infection caused by invasive group A strep bacteria. Within hours, it led to septic shock, organ failure, and a fight for her life.

Doctors gave her only a 10% chance of survival.

Against all odds, she survived.

A woman in a hospital bed holding a baby and feeding him with a bottle.

But the infection had ravaged her body. Brie underwent more than a dozen surgeries, including the amputation of both arms and both legs. She woke up to a new reality. The hardest part? Not being able to hold her newborn.

Despite the trauma, Brie chose to share her story with the world, opening her life to hundreds of thousands through social media. Her journey of resilience, grief, and adaptation resonated with amputees, survivors, and families around the world.

Why Brie’s Hope Exists

A woman in a hospital bed with medical equipment, a nasal cannula, and ventilator, smiling at the camera. A man is sitting beside her, smiling, with his hand on her arm.
Family at hospital waiting area, with a woman in a hospital bed connected to medical equipment, and three children beside her, all smiling.

Out of pain came purpose. Brie founded Brie’s Hope to turn her personal story into a national movement for change.

Too many people don’t know what sepsis is or the life-altering effects it can have, including limb loss, until it’s too late. Brie’s Hope is here to change that, spreading awareness and standing with survivors as they reclaim their lives and discover that joy, meaning, and fulfillment are still possible.

“"Advocate for yourself, no matter what…Ask questions. Speak up. It could save your life.”

— Brie Morgan, founder of Brie’s Hope