NY teen fights to walk again after double-amputation

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - A 14-year-old girl is proving hard work and determination can go a long way. Tasnim Rahman lost both her legs below the knee to a rare bacterial infection. But she is not letting that stop her.

These days, each step is exhausting and often painful, but Tasnim is determined to exceed even doctors' expectations.

In March 2016, Tasnim had the typical aches and pains of the flu. But then she realized something was terribly wrong and headed for the hospital. She then woke up in the ICU, unable to move and hooked up to several machines.

Tasnim's flu had developed into a rare and severe bacterial infection. Her organs began shutting down and her legs below the knee began to die. Her only option for survival was amputation.

Salme Rahman, Tasnim's mother, said her daughter was in a lot of pain and would cry every morning. She has been by Tasnim's side every single day.

The Rahman family came to the United States from Bangladesh about two years ago. They were here for just five months when Tasnim became ill.

Tasnim said, in the beginning, she was really sad but then realized she had to move on. And move on she has since the moment she could stand on her newly fitted prosthetic legs.

She lived at Blythedale Children's Hospital in Westchester County for over a year and now undergoes daily outpatient physical therapy.

Dr. Ruth Alejandro, pediatric physiatrist, is Tasnim's doctor and future mentor. She said Tasnim is especially amazing. Dr. Alejandro is confident Tasnim will be able to walk and will return to be a doctor one day.

Tasnim hopes to someday treat children just like her.

In the fall, Tasnim will attend high school. She is planning to study hard and walk through those front doors. She said her goal is to go to school using only a walker and not a wheelchair. She knows it won't be easy but she said nothing really worth it ever is. Tasnim said she can't just stay in bed and expect a miracle.