Fundraiser Set Up To Help Aspiring Model Afford Bionic Legs After Hers Were Amputated

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Just before her 21st birthday and months spent in the hospital, Claire Bridges of St. Petersburg is back home with her family.

Bridges returned home on St. Patrick's Day following treatment for health problems at Tampa General Hospital after she contracted COVID-19 in January. Bridges went on a ventilator and dialysis after being admitted to the hospital; she also dealt with a heart condition she's had since birth, WTSP said.

Bridges endured numerous surgeries, and in the process, both her legs were amputated. When doctors said both her legs would need to be amputated, she told her family she wanted bionic legs.

Throughout the next several days, a fundraiser in Indian Shores at The Dog & Parrot is taking place to help Bridges get those bionic legs. A Clearwater organization, 50 Legs, is also helping support Claire's wish.

Anyone is welcome to stop by The Dog & Parrot, 19703 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, to support the fundraiser.

There are also two GoFundMe sites set up to raise money to help the aspiring model. One site that will help pay Bridges' medical and ongoing expenses has raised over $37,000 toward its goal of $50,000.

Her friend and co-worker at Grassroots Kava House in St. Petersburg has established a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for her bills, food, clothing and other needs until she can return to work.

As of Friday, it had received about $105,000 toward its goal of $150,000.