Mom who spent months in hospital after losing arms, legs receives warm homecoming

Brie Morgan Bauer was able to return home after spending months in the hospital. (Source: KCTV)
Published: Jun. 27, 2024 at 5:01 PM CDT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV/Gray News) - A community in Kansas helped welcome home a woman who spent several months in the hospital after undergoing several emergency operations.

Brie Morgan Bauer returned to her Overland Park neighborhood on Tuesday where overflowing crowds of people were there to greet her.

In February, Bauer had an emergency C-section at just 27 weeks. Her baby was OK, but Bauer suffered organ failure and was placed in a coma.

Doctors said they discovered she had toxic shock syndrome and they had to ultimately amputate her arms and legs.

But despite months in the hospital, Bauer never lost her spirit, sharing updates on social media with her thousands of followers.

Overland Park residents said when they discovered Bauer was being discharged, they quickly got to work.

“We pulled together resources and ideas to show her how excited we are for her to be back,” said neighbor Julia Walker. “We had people designing the posters, the banners and printing them so this could be a really joyous celebratory event for her.”

Ahead of Bauer’s arrival, neighbors stopped by a massive sign that read “Welcome home Brie - we love you!” and wrote personal well wishes and words of encouragement.

Some of the notes read “You are an inspiration to so many” and “Sending constant love and prayers.”

“We wrote ‘Brie inspires us’ because she literally inspires us every day,” said Alex Hicks, one of Bauer’s cousins. “For her to have the strength that she’s had to overcome all of the odds, it’s just amazing.”

Hicks was one of several family members who also welcomed Bauer home.

“Brie is just a rock star and from her following, it’s hard to not see,” Hicks said. “It’s really courageous for her to put herself out there, and that’s been really cool to see her do.”

The road was lined with signs, balloons, flags, and people sporting orange: the color designated for limb loss awareness.

The cheers were loud as Bauer and her family came down the road. Bauer waved at everyone with her prosthetic arm as she made her way home to continue her recovery.

“I think I speak for everyone when I say she has been so inspirational and strong,” Walker said. “You know we’re just really in awe of the poise and strength she’s had as she’s battled one challenge after another.”