14 Stories of Overcoming the Odds

"Warrior Mom" Monica Jorge

In 2008, Jenny McCarthy introduced us to "warrior mom" Monica Jorge. During the birth of her second child, Monica contracted a rare and deadly flesh-eating bacteria. Defying the odds, Monica survived, but many of her vital organs did not. The doctors removed Monica's uterus, ovaries, gallbladder and part of her colon that same day. Later, they were forced to amputate both of her arms and legs in order to save her life. "I was frightened at first, but when they told me [my arms and legs] had to be amputated, it was: 'Do it. I've got to go home,'" Monica says. "[I thought,] 'I have a life to live and it's not here, and until you amputate, I can't move forward.'"