Ex-Trinity Christian School Tennis Player, Natalya Manhertz’s Mother Guided Thelia Her Through Life-Threatening Illness and Quadruple Amputation
Thelia Manhertz and her family made critical decisions and provided unwavering support as Natalya battled sepsis and adjusted to life as a quadruple amputee.
NewsaditibhattaDecember 19, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 18, 2026
Natalya “Nat” Manhertz’s life changed almost overnight. What began as a simple sore throat escalated into a life-threatening battle with sepsis, a condition in which the body’s reaction to infection becomes dangerously overwhelming.
Through every moment of uncertainty and fear, her mother, Thelia Manhertz, and her family stood unwaveringly by her side, making crucial decisions that ultimately saved her life.
In May 2026, 17-year-old Nat began experiencing neck and stomach pain along with a severe headache.
Concerned, Thelia took her daughter to urgent care, where doctors initially diagnosed a migraine.
When Nat’s condition worsened, Thelia quickly took her to the emergency room. Doctors discovered that Nat’s organs were failing and that she had entered septic shock.
They transferred her by air to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, informing Thelia that her daughter had suffered cardiac arrest.
“The doctor came to me and said, ‘She’s had cardiac arrest,’” Thelia recalled.
“I had to choose in seconds, and I chose the chance to save her life.”
TodayThe rapid progression of Nat’s illness stunned Thelia. Sepsis ravaged her daughter’s limbs, forcing doctors to amputate all four.
Nat faced the loss of her arms and legs at just 17, but Thelia remained steadfast.
She stayed at her daughter’s side through surgeries, painful procedures, and recovery, providing emotional and physical support every step of the way.
“It’s not easy at all. Some days were really hard and just really painful,” Nat later reflected.
“But my mom, my family, and my faith helped me get through it.”
TodayThelia’s presence extended far beyond emotional support.
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She made life-saving decisions during Nat’s most critical moments, including the choice to use ECMO, a heart-lung bypass machine, which gave Nat the vital time her body needed to heal.
“Without it, she would not have survived,” said one ECMO specialist.
As Nat adjusted to life as a quadruple amputee, Thelia helped her regain independence and confidence.
From attending school and prom to celebrating graduation, Thelia ensured her daughter never faced these milestones alone.
“Six months ago, I didn’t think it would happen,” Thelia said, reflecting on Nat’s first prom.
“And to see her embrace it and go through it… it’s amazing.”
11aliveThelia’s unwavering support illustrates the profound role Natalya Manhertz’s parents played in her recovery.
They guided her through unimaginable challenges, helped her rediscover her sense of self, and provided the foundation she needed to thrive.
Today, at 20, Nat walks on prosthetic legs, pursues her dream of becoming a sports broadcaster, and continues to inspire everyone around her.
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