Toddler who lost limbs to rare bacterial infection back home

Nearly 10 weeks go, Rachel and HumbertoFariawere told their 15-month old son Ethan "wouldn't make it."

On Wednesdaymorning, the toddler was discharged from the Hospital for Sick Children.

Last July, Ethan was rushed to SickKidsafter his mother took him to North York General Hospital with a fever and a cough.

He was diagnosed with HaemophilusinfluenzaeType B, a dangerous bacterial infection that can be life-threatening. In August, doctors amputated both of his legs below the knees and removed part of his right arm, as well.

"We couldn't accept what happened," Rachel Fariatold CBC News' Makda Ghebreslassiein an exclusive interview at the hospital. "We couldn't understand how, why, and we still don't have those answers.

"We've grieved and been through so many emotions but we're in the acceptance stage," she added. "He's alive, happy, and we couldn't ask for anything more. Now, we just want him to heal."

Ethan's mother explained the healing process will include giving the toddler two injections a day, and feeding him three times daily to help him regain the weight he lost.

"The nurses have been teaching me something every day," she said. "It's been a learning process but we just have to keep going."

Told by doctors to expect the worst when Ethan was admitted to SickKids, Rachel said every meeting with specialists was "like a blow to the head."

A GoFundMecampaign to take care of the family's medical bills that was set up onAug. 10has raised nearly $98,000. The original goal was $50,000 goal.

Both Rachel and Humbertocredited hospital staff with making their journey a little easier.

"The staff have been amazing," Rachel said. "I call them angels, they really are. They've helped us through the toughest times. They took care of him like he was their child."

CharisKelly, one of several nurses at SickKidswho cared for Ethan, told CBC that even though he has been discharged from the hospital "in no way is he leaving our care."

"He will continue to be involved at SickKidsfor the majority of his childhood and most likely will receive some rehabilitation ... when we feel it's appropriate," Kelly said.