14 DAY TRIAL // The latest tragedy to shake the fashion industry to its very foundation is, this time, not related in any way to the size models have to attain through whatever means available. 20-year-old Brazilian model Mariana Brindi, two-time Miss World finalist and with a promising career ahead, has just had both her feet and hands amputated after being diagnosed with a severe infection.
Media outlets all over are reporting that Brindi fell ill in December, being infected with a virus that quickly spread in her blood and then cut off circulation to her limbs.
Initially, she had her feet amputated, the doctors realizing there was no other way to save her life. Shortly after, she went into emergency surgery again, when it became clear that the virus, the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, had also gotten into her hands, and doctors took the dramatic decision of amputating both of them. She is now fighting for her life.
“She fell ill on December 30 and we took her to hospital where she was misdiagnosed with a kidney stone. They gave her some medicine and sent her home. But two days later she started getting worse. We took her back to hospital and they said she had a very serious infection. She got more and more sick, and had no blood circulation to her limbs. First, she lost her feet, then on Tuesday she lost both her hands. But she is a very strong person and we just want her to survive.” Thiago Simoes, her boyfriend, told the media.
“We are all absolutely distraught and are just praying now that she can pull through.” Simoes added, saying that Mariana has always been a fighter, which brings a ray of hope to him and her family that she will survive this, and eventually be able to resume her life. The exact condition of the model right now has not been made public, with her father saying only that “The main concern now is for her life.”
Mariana, a finalist in the search for Brazil’s Miss World contestant both in 2006 and 2007, has many other distinctions under her belt. In 2007, she won Best Body in China at the Miss Bikini international competition, and had a very promising career ahead. Henrique Fontes, executive director of Miss World Brazil, has also spoken out on the tragedy, urging people to donate blood for the transfusion she now requires (type O negative). “She has always been a great fighter and has a history of perseverance. […] This is a desperately sad story and we are calling on potential donors to come forward and give blood.” Fontes said.