🗓️ Published May 28, 2025 · By heartlandhealthbeat · 92 Comments
😱 “I Was Terrified”: Mom’s Worst Nightmare Comes True
What started as an ordinary day outside turned into a medical emergency for 15-month-old Cara Reed of Florence, Arizona. Her mother, Jacquelyn Reed, says she stepped away for just ten seconds — and came back to screams.
“I turned and saw her crying. Then I looked down… her little foot was black, and there was a snake coiled up right behind her.”
Cara had been bitten twice by a rattlesnake, right through her tiny jelly shoe.
🚁 Rushed to the ER, Then Airlifted to Phoenix
Without hesitation, Jacquelyn jumped into action, racing Cara to the nearest hospital. But the bite was too severe for the small facility to handle.
➡️ Doctors quickly airlifted Cara to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she was intubated and placed under intensive care.
🧪 30 Vials of Antivenom — and a Mother’s Prayers
The venom spread fast. Cara’s oxygen levels plummeted to just 25% — dangerously low for anyone, let alone a toddler.
“She was so small. Her foot turned black. She couldn’t breathe on her own,” Jacquelyn said, holding back tears. “It was heartbreaking.”
Doctors administered a staggering 30 vials of antivenom as her family watched and waited, praying for a miracle.
💪 Slowly But Surely, Cara’s Fighting Back
After days of uncertainty, there’s finally a glimmer of hope.
🎉 Cara is now off the breathing tube, her oxygen levels have stabilized, and she’s able to wiggle her toes.
“Seeing her toes move — after everything — was the first time I exhaled in days,” Jacquelyn shared. “She’s a fighter.”
🏥 Rattlesnake Encounters Are Rising
As temperatures climb in the Southwest, so do snake sightings. Arizona wildlife officials say snake bites increase significantly in spring and summer, especially in rural areas.
⚠️ Experts urge parents to stay vigilant and avoid tall grass, rock piles, or leaving kids barefoot in areas where snakes may hide.
🙏 A Community Rallies Around Cara
Family, friends, and even strangers have been flooding the Reeds with support — offering prayers, meals, and donations to help with hospital bills.
Jacquelyn’s message to other parents?
“If I can say one thing, it’s this: never underestimate how fast something can happen. Just be alert — and trust your instincts.”
📌 Final Thoughts: A Mother’s Strength, A Baby’s Fight
Cara’s story isn’t just about a rattlesnake bite — it’s about a mother’s courage, a child’s resilience, and the fragility of life.
💬 Let’s send this brave family all our strength. Share this story to raise awareness — and help others avoid the same danger.
👇 Comment below with words of support or your own story.
#SnakeBite #ArizonaNews #ToddlerStrong #MomLife #CaraTheFighter #PhoenixChildrensHospital #WildlifeSafety
