Local woman talks with Dr. Phil about rare disease Save Email Print
South Bend, IN
Posted: 2:13 PM Aug 4, 2008
Last Updated: 3:03 PM Aug 5, 2008

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A couple months ago NewsCenter 16 told you about Kim McClellan, who lives in Mishawaka with her husband and four kids.

She had both legs amputated below the knee and lost most of her fingers after a rare flesh-eating disease.

Since then Kim has been doing well. She has had several surgeries and started using prosthetic fingers, and now she is headed to Hollywood.

It turns out that a producer for Dr. Phil's new show “The Doctor” saw our story on Kim and wanted to share it with the rest of the country.

"It's kind of embarrassing, but at the same time we hope that people will realize that bad things can happen to them from doing normal, everyday hygiene, which is what happened to me,” said McClellan.

Kim and her husband are flying out to Los Angeles August 21 to tape the show and spread the word about this rare, but serious, disease.

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Posted by: brent Location: the real world on Sep 15, 2008 at 04:51 PM
This comment is for "rat", who made an earlier accusation about Kim not being truthful. Let me tell you "rat" she has no reason to lie, what does she have to gain. Everything that was said is truthful and can and will be proven if need be. "rat" whoever you may be, if you truely believe kim is lying than you to are pathetic. We have answers and proof which is 100% more than we could get from the other side. For instance: we were not allowed to bring home the money after the benefit, it stayed with them for a few days until it was convient to get with us. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Rat as far as you go, that name is very fitting.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Good luck, I think that a story like this deserves national media attention. Dr. Phil has a large audience and many prople will see the story and be helped. Kudos to you!

Posted by: Joe Schmoe on Aug 5, 2008 at 02:49 PM
WNDU- can you create a link to the previous story referenced. I agree with Mel, Phil McGraw is a joke. Since he is not a doctor I do not want to refer to him as one. However, I am interested in the story and would like to see what WNDU ran previously so I don’t have to watch Phil The Clown McGraw. My opinion of Phil has nothing to do with Kim. I have all the sympathy in the world for Kim.

The story can be found under the "related stories" headline just below the story text. -WNDU.com


Posted by: curious Location: south bend on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:24 AM
What about the benefit? Not sure rat what you are talking about but curious.

Posted by: Dee Location: Bremen on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:39 AM
mel its not about Dr Phil you moron its about Kim and whats happened to her and what could very easily happen to others. Best hope not to you, you may blame that on Dr. Phil or Jerry Springer. get a life!

Posted by: Julie Location: Mishawaka on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Best of luck to you Kim and to your family.

Posted by: Rat Location: South bend on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Ask Kim about her benefit that was held in Lakeville. See if she is truthful about this.

Posted by: Megan Location: Elkhart on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Mel- I disagree. I don't watch any other talk show except Dr. Phil and I really believe he's in the business of helping people and not just exploiting for ratings. And what are you talking about, he isn't a doctor?! He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Study up a little before embarrassing yourself with your lack of knowledge.

Posted by: Tam Location: Stevensville on Aug 5, 2008 at 03:06 AM
Mel: Regardless of what you think of "Dr. Phil" It is very important to let people know what can happen to them when doing something so routine and so very common! As this story should be news as well! Grow up and show some compassion.

Posted by: anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Mel....You are a sick person....someone is willing to tell everyone what she has been through .....and you compare it to jerry springer?...Maybe you should be on Dr. Phil....But I am sure psychopathic people are not his territory.....you know....since he's not a Dr. and all...

Posted by: mel on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:54 PM
why is this even on the news.. who cares about dr. phil, his shows are becoming more and more like jerry springer, and hes not even a real dr.. so why is he "impersonating" one?

Posted by: no names please Location: indiana on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:13 PM
what is the name of the rare disease or how is it she got it??explaining the storey more might help.

Posted by: Melissa Location: Osceola on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Cool, make sure you tell us when the airdate of this is so we can watch, GOD bless you!

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