Gilbert Child Survives 30 Hours Without Care After Secret Rattlesnake Bite

A Gilbert second grader is recovering from a rattlesnake bite after a harrowing 30-hour wait for treatment. The incident, involving 7-year-old Allie Brasfield, has raised concerns about medical response times in urgent wildlife encounters.

Allie’s ordeal began during a walk with her father at Gilbert Regional Park when she fell. Initially, the pain appeared minimal. “It didn’t hurt right away,” Allie recalled. However, upon returning home, her mother, Amber Brasfield, noticed discoloration around Allie’s ankle. Concern led them to the hospital, where they were told it might be a sprained ankle.

Despite medical reassurances, Allie’s condition deteriorated. Her ankle bruise spread, and she exhibited symptoms of severe illness, including vomiting. “It was very shocking,” Brasfield recounted. “You don’t usually start throwing up from a sprained ankle.” After multiple visits to different hospitals, the family sought assistance at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Here, the inquiry into potential rattlesnake exposure was prompted by Allie’s father.

The doctors confirmed the presence of rattlesnake venom in her bloodstream through a toxicology report. Immediate emergency surgery followed, commencing more than 30 hours after the incident. “She had multiple blood transfusions and 40 vials of antivenom,” her mother detailed.

Brasfield speculated that the delay in treatment necessitated the large amount of antivenom. Thankfully, Allie’s life was saved, though she remains unable to fully use her leg as it heals. Future surgeries and physical therapy await her. “You can do it, we’re going to get you back playing,” her mother encouraged.

Despite the joyous outcome, the family now faces financial uncertainty. Brasfield reported that their insurance may not cover the costs associated with the antivenom treatment, which can range from $1,000 to $17,000 per vial. “We are so grateful that they saved her life… but it’s very overwhelming to think you might be leaving with a $400,000 bill,” she said.

As they navigate this challenging time, the family has turned to crowdfunding, establishing a GoFundMe campaign to assist with mounting medical expenses. Their focus remains sharply on Allie’s recovery.