ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Friends and family of a young St. Petersburg woman are asking the community for help.
Claire Bridges, 20, is fighting for her life after she recently contracted COVID-19. She was admitted to the hospital on Jan. 16 and is currently on life support. Her friends tell 8 On Your Side she is vaccinated.
Bridges was born with a serious heart condition, and because of complications and an infection, her condition worsened, as a result, doctors will have to amputate both of her legs. However, her friends say when she found out, she didn’t react the way everyone thought she would.
“She said I want bionic legs, and that’s how Claire is a positive bright light,” Heather Valdes said.
Friends describe Bridges as full of life, someone who makes everyone smile and lights up a room.
“She’s the person who will hype you up,” Caprice Alfred said. “She’s always happy.”
Bridges is a kavatender at Grassroots Kava House. Her coworkers are like family.
“We call her Clurby,” Valdes said.
Valdes started a GoFundMe earlier this week and it’s already raised more than $40,000. Friends say the support so far is overwhelming.
“My heart grew when I saw how many people came together so far,” Vanessa Rodriguez said.
They know their friend’s life will change, and she’ll have a long road ahead to recovery. They’re trying to do everything they can so she has nothing to worry about when she comes back home.
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“She was told about everything going on, it means so much to know she has support, her family is grateful as well,” Valdes said. “She’s loved and she’s made a huge impact on everyone she’s come in contact with.”