Teacher who lost hands, feet to flesh-eating bacteria adjusting to new life

He contracted Strep A in his blood, which usually causes strep throat, but for Newsome, it became a flesh-eating bacteria. (Fox2Detroit)

A 40-year-old teacher in Michigan who lost both of his hands and feet to flesh-eating bacteria is working his way back to the classroom with the help of technology.

James Newsome, who did not disclose why he visited a hospital in January, but said that he contracted Strep A while there, told Fox 2 Detroit that the infection resulted in septic shock, which cut off the blood supply in his arms and legs.

“It resulted in amputation” Newsome, a third-grade teacher, told Fox 2 Detroit. "The tradeoff is almost certain death."

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He has prosthetics, but his “insurance doesn’t pay for the next level of hands.”

To help with the growing costs, his family has started a fundraising page. He said returning to his classroom at Randall Elementary School has helped keep him motivated, as well as the love he has for his 4-year-old daughter.

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“There is nothing more important to me than being her father," he told Fox 2 Detroit. "I had a picture of her at the foot of my bed.  Anytime I was feeling down and out, I looked at the picture to remind myself why that I’m here and why I need to push so hard.”