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Flesh-Eating Condition Leaves Delta Man Fighting for Life

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Oct 16, 2012 at 7:21 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 17, 2012 at 6:39 AM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- A Delta man is fighting for his life while doctors in Denver work feverishly to save him from what they are calling a flesh-eating condition.

Rick Graham's family met with NewsChannel 5 in Grand Junction on Tuesday while on their way to see their father.

Graham was rushed to Denver University's burn unit after spending the weekend in intensive care at Saint Mary's Hospital, where doctors only gave him a 10 percent chance to live.

"They removed all the muscle and tissue on the left side of his body all the way over into his kidneys," explained Tabatha Lightner, Graham's daughter. "They really went into everything and cut it all out. He died on the table once; they brought him back. They kept doing the surgery because it was so severe, but as fast as they were doing it, the infection had already spread through so much of his body."

Lightner also speculated the infection may have come from a dirt biking accident, after which Graham could have had some wood pieces left in his arm.

Specialists at Denver University have not ruled this option out, but they also have not yet determined an official cause.

Before Graham was flown to Denver doctors at Saint Mary's also speculated his condition could have come from a spider bite.

Graham, a father of eight, was turned away from a hospital in Salt Lake City because he does not have insurance.

Graham remains in critical condition in Denver.

Anyone who would like to aid the family can go to Tabatha Lightner's facebook page.

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crawford people said on Thursday, Oct 18 at 6:37 PM

hopes and prayers to you

Kristina Graham said on Wednesday, Oct 17 at 9:14 AM

That is my amazing dad! Ws are praying everyday. There is so many of us that love him!! Any donations is greatly appreciated. If anyone would like to help you can contact me at 970-712-6756. Thank you and god bless. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH DAD!!!

greta harman said on Wednesday, Oct 17 at 8:25 AM

to the family of rick prayers for marlena and their children and grandchildren.

Stephanie Bratton Pinnt said on Wednesday, Oct 17 at 6:43 AM

I agree with Bredt Smidt Check out NNFF.org web site. I am also a survivor of this devistating disease. Sounds like Rick has a large, loving family to support him, and get him through this. I have read about many people surviving this when their chances were grim, NEVER give up hope. My prayers are with this family. GOD BLESS ALL OF THEM brattonbrat@zirkel.us

Bredt Smidt said on Wednesday, Oct 17 at 3:53 AM

I would like to direct you to the NNFF.org web site. It explains this condition known as "Necrotising Faceitis". I also was devistated by this disease, and my hopes and prayers go out to his family. Guitarman377@aol.com

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