Mariana Bridi da Costa, a Brazilian model most known for becoming a finalist at the Miss World competition and for winning first place in the Miss Bikini International competition in China, is experiencing a real-life tragedy that may end up taking the life of the 20-year-old beauty.

Mariana is currently fighting for her life in a Serra hospital (in Brazil) after being wrongfully diagnosed with a kidney infection.

Bridi visited doctors in late December after becoming extremely ill. It was at that point that doctors determined kidney stones as the cause of her illness – only to find out weeks later that she has been suffering from an extreme urinary tract infection.

By the time the infection was detected by doctors, the illness had developed into septicaemia – a potential fatal infection in the blood.

The infection quickly spread to her hands and feet, at which point doctors felt it necessary to amputate her hands first and then her feet.

Henrique Fontes, executive director of Miss World Brazil, told CNN the following:

“They say her situation is very critical and that her chances (of survival) are not really significant, but she keeps on surprising everyone.

"Two weeks ago the doctor gave her 24 hours to live and she's been fighting and resisting -- she's quite amazing."

Fontes also told CNN that the only communication Mariana has had with her family and friends since being on life support is through her eyes.

"She doesn't talk, she responds by blinking her eyes and she said that she wanted to live under this critical situation," Fontes told CNN.

What a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mariana and her family at this time.

To see a montage of photos of this courageous young woman, check out the video below or to learn more about her, go to DayMix.com.:

Update: We are sad to report that Mariana Bridi da Costa has passed away.