PEARSALL, Texas — An unstoppable world for a 17-year-old Alina Valenzuela has now come to a terrifying halt.
“Friday afternoon she went into cardiac arrest, they transferred her to Houston then on the way over she went into cardiac arrest again,” Leticia, Alina’s older sister said.
Earlier that week Leticia realized her little sister Alina had come down with the flu.
Complications caused issues with her heart causing Alina to undergo multiple surgeries putting her in the ICU.
“I do talk to her even though she’s on life support. and she does give me a little nod she’s okay.”
The Pearsall senior who Leticia describes as energetic, a perfectionist, and driven, Alina has her own business.
“Doing nails is something she just started and she loves doing her own such as her family members and friends.”
Even going viral on TikTok for her achievements.
The biggest one of all being her first battle at only 14 when she got covid-19.
Help the family with medical expenses by donating here.
“She went into cardiac arrest again and had to be placed on life support.”
Alina developed a blood clot in her leg that forced doctors to amputate.
“Hopefully she has good blood flow to where something like that doesn’t happen again.”
Through this Leticia wants people to understand the severity of the flu.
“The flu is definitely very contagious,” ER medical director Cassandra Gelabert with Methodist Hospital Metropolitan San Antonio said.
Gelabert said cases of flu have risen recently but most young adults should be okay.
“There is tamiflu and generally we want to prescribe it within the first 72 hours and so earlier diagnosis and treatment is better,” she added
For Leticia and her family only time will show how strong Alina is.
“It’s a very serious case and even when you’re healthy just please take precautions,” Leticia said.
You can donate to help the family with medical expenses here.
There will also be a prayer rally Thursday in the Pearsall High School parking lot at 4:45 p.m. It will be open to the public.
To stream KVUE on your phone, you need the KVUE app.
Download the KVUE app
