Sepsis Alliance

Just days after the birth of her daughter, Elizabeth was diagnosed with strep A, toxic shock syndrome, and life-threatening sepsis. Now, the is participating in this year’s Sepsis Superhero Challenge to help raise life-saving sepsis awareness.

“As a sepsis survivor, every second counts,” Elizabeth shares. “Experiencing how quickly septic shock can take over one’s body has pushed me to fight to spread awareness of the life-threatening condition. My hopes are that sharing my own story will provide others helpful insights on seeking necessary medical attention early on. The Sepsis Superhero Challenge is the highlight of the month of September, as myself and others join the fight together! ”

Ready to join Elizabeth by completing a one-mile activity of your choosing? Visit SepsisSuperheroes.org to sign up for FREE today!

In June, Linda visited two different hospitals for severe back pain. She was prescribed medication and sent home from both. “By this point, I knew something wasn’t right and wanted to take my mom to another hospital for a third opinion, but she was confused and didn’t want to go,” Linda’s daughter, Kiandra, recalls.

“I should have never doubted myself. By the time she made it back to the second hospital, it was too late,” Kiandra says. “She was deteriorating, already septic, and experiencing acute kidney injury with a high creatinine level.” Linda was admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator as Kiandra pleaded with doctors to consider a kidney infection given her mother’s previous complaints of back pain and labs from the initial hospital.

Tragically, sepsis took Linda’s life soon after her ICU admission. “She coded a total of four times leaving me heartbroken and devastated as this was preventable,” Kiandra shares. “I am sharing her story to spread awareness and to decrease the chances of this happening to others.”

Read more of Linda’s tribute below.

Linda Jones My mom , Linda Marie Jones, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from septic shock on Sunday, June 23, 2024. She went to two hospitals between June

Did you know that new onset AFib is a common complication of sepsis? In fact, it’s estimated that 10% to 40% of people with sepsis end up developing AFib.

Join this upcoming session to learn more about AFib, its connection to sepsis, and the potential impact for survivors who develop the condition.

Don’t have a Sepsis Alliance Connect account yet? Membership is FREE and required to access live virtual sessions like this one. Registration can take up to 48 hours to process. Learn more and start your registration today at SepsisConnect.org.

Sepsis occurs when your immune system sends infection-fighting chemicals throughout your body rather than just to the infection itself. These chemicals cause inflammation and start to attack healthy tissues. This is why infections should be treated as quickly as possible. Prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of complications, including sepsis.

This Sepsis Awareness Month, learn the symptoms of sepsis and remember that It’s About TIME™:

T ➝ Temperature: higher or lower than normal
I ➝ Infection: may have signs of an infection
M ➝ Mental Decline: confused, difficult to rouse
E ➝ Extremely ill: severe pain or discomfort

Remember – Infection Prevention is Sepsis Prevention™! Learn more at SepsisAwarenessMonth.org. You could save a life.

Thank you to our Sepsis Awareness Month sponsors, Sanofi and Recce Pharmaceuticals, for your support!

Thank you, Sepsis Survivor Kelli, for securing a Sepsis Awareness Month proclamation in the state of New Hampshire!

Kelli survived post-surgical sepsis just nine months ago. She shares, “I didn’t know the signs, and by the time I went in it had turned into streptococcal toxic shock and I almost didn’t survive. I would have left behind my three young children and husband two days before Thanksgiving. I can help advocate the signs of sepsis, so no other family has to go through what mine went through.”

To read more of Kelli’s story, visit sepsisalliance.info/KelliShaw.

Last fall, Alexa woke up with a 104-degree fever and severe stomach virus symptoms. “After trying to sleep it off for 4 hours, my symptoms worsened, and I was scared something really bad was going to happen,” she recalls.

Her boyfriend rushed her to the emergency room where doctors began running a series of diagnostic tests. “I originally must’ve had a severe case of norovirus, but they discovered that within that time, I had also developed sepsis,” she explains. “This all happened within the span of 5 hours.” Alexa was then transferred to a larger hospital for further treatment.

“I’m so grateful to my boyfriend for not writing off my symptoms and for getting me to the hospital so quickly,” she shares. “I’m also so grateful to the doctors for running the necessary tests and discovering that I was also suffering from sepsis. I’m so so grateful all the precautions were taken and that my story had a happy ending. I had never even thought of sepsis before that day, and I would’ve never expected it to advance that quickly within only a few hours.”

Read more of Alexa’s story below. To share your experience, visit sepsisalliance.info/FacesOfSepsis.

Alexa Spivey I woke up on November 25, 2023 with a fever of 104° and severe stomach virus symptoms. My family was busy getting ready for my niece’s 1st birthday party,

The Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson recently shared more about her battle with sepsis.

Just before a family trip to Europe last month, Vicki was diagnosed with a sinus infection and prescribed antibiotics. When she returned home, however, her condition quickly took a turn for the worse, and she developed extreme confusion and delirium. Her boyfriend rushed her to the hospital where doctors informed her that she’d developed pneumonia that had progressed to sepsis.

“I said, did I hear this right that I had a 10 to 20 percent [chance of] survival?” she shares, recalling a conversation with a medical professional. That's when she learned, “Yes, the sepsis that went to your body is deadly and you survived it. And so you're going to be okay. It's just going to take a while.”

'RHOC' star Vicki Gunvalson reveals she had a 'deadly' infection Vicki Gunvalson, Bravo's original 'RHOC' star, says on the latest episode of her podcast that she was hospitalized with a potentially life-threatening infection: 'The sepsis that went to your body is deadly and you survived it.'

Congratulations, Julia, the second Erin Kay Flatley Spirit Award Winner of 2024!

Julia was just 18 years old when she developed a UTI that rapidly progressed to sepsis. Once admitted to the hospital, doctors informed her that had she not gone to the hospital when she did, she would have died within the following 12 hours. “I had no idea what sepsis was,” Julia recalls now.

Julia also struggled during her recovery. “I had no idea what just happened to me, and I think that's what I struggled with so severely for about two and a half years, just figuring out what my body was going through, why it was going through it, and seeing a variety of things that I couldn't pinpoint,” she says.

As Julia navigated the healing process, she began her advocacy work. She’s secured sepsis awareness proclamations at both city and state levels, and now uses her platform in pageantry to advocate for sepsis awareness on a larger stage. Julia’s goal is to become Mrs. America so that she can help bring sepsis awareness into the national spotlight.

Thank you, Julia, for using your voice in the fight against sepsis!

We’re thrilled to announce the first of this year’s Erin Kay Flatley Spirit Award recipients!

Jackie survived sepsis after a perforated bowel progressed to the life-threatening condition. She was rushed to the emergency room, intubated, and placed on a respirator while doctors fought to keep her alive. After her recovery and hospital discharge, Jackie was left to navigate the challenges of post-sepsis syndrome.

“I was living in a world where I wasn’t really sure I belonged anymore,” she shares. “I didn’t know why I survived. It was really hard.” With time and a lot of hard work, Jackie grew stronger. “I started to feel better to the point that I could do those little things,” she explains. “I had been in a couple of peer support sessions with Sepsis Alliance, and I started to build upon the advocacy there.”

Since then, Jackie has leveraged her experience as a teacher to reach out to different organizations to share her story and educate others. As a journalist, her advocacy extends to writing articles for local and national outlets and participating in legislative efforts to raise sepsis awareness. Jackie’s powerful advocacy work has already saved lives – she’s received calls from individuals who attended her talks and were then able to recognize sepsis symptoms in others.

Thank you, Jackie, for your passionate dedication to sepsis awareness! We’re proud to include you in our select group of Erin Kay Flatley Spirit Award recipients.

Sepsis Awareness Month is officially here! As part of the global effort that kicks off today to help save lives by raising awareness of sepsis, it’s important to remember that Infection Prevention is Sepsis Prevention™!

Did you know that ANY infection has the potential to progress to life-threatening sepsis? Whether it’s a seemingly harmless scrape on your child’s knee or seasonal bout of the flu for your otherwise healthy and active friend, the presence of an infection brings with it the threat of sepsis. When you take precautions to protect yourself and those around you from the spread of infection, you’re also helping to prevent a potential case of sepsis.

Can we count on you this month to help us spread awareness of the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals? Learn more and access free educational resources and infographics at SepsisAwarenessMonth.org.

Thank you to our Sepsis Awareness Month sponsors, Sanofi and Recce Pharmaceuticals, for your support!

The final countdown is on! Do you reside in a state that is not yet illuminated in red on the map? That means a Sepsis Awareness Month proclamation has not yet been issued by your governor and we need YOUR help to ensure that happens in time.

In just a few simple clicks, you can tell your governor about the importance of raising sepsis awareness and request that they issue a 2024 proclamation to support this life-saving cause. Visit sepsisalliance.info/SAMProclamations2024 to learn how to contact your governor’s office before it’s too late!

Last August, Cassidie Roberts gave birth to her daughter, Aurora, just 23 weeks into her pregnancy. Although the infant faced a series of medical challenges in the months following her premature birth, the family was preparing for Aurora’s discharge and eagerly looking forward to bringing her home earlier this year.

Tragically, while Cassidie was at the hospital for discharge training, doctors informed her that Aurora had developed fungal sepsis. “I was shocked,” Cassidie recalls. “‘What do you mean? I'm here for discharge training. She's supposed to come home in a couple of days.’”

“The doctor looked at me and said, ‘We're running labs, but it's not looking good,’” Cassidie recalls. “As a healthcare professional myself I knew in my heart that we weren't leaving the hospital with a baby. As her mom, I'm saying it's okay. We don't have to continue. I knew she was ready to go.’”

“People sometimes hesitate to bring her up, especially because she was a baby,” Cassidie says. “But I encourage everyone to talk about her with me. I hope that our family's story continues to inspire and make a difference.”

Mom Tells Hospital to Call Code on 6-Month-Old Daughter After She Develops Fungal Sepsis: 'Knew She Was Ready' (Exclusive) On Jan. 29, Aurora Jille'ia Marie died after being diagnosed with fungal sepsis.

Sepsis Awareness Month has been officially proclaimed in South Carolina, thanks to the work of advocates like Faith!

Faith is a Sepsis Coordinator at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center and knows firsthand of the devastating impact sepsis can have on patients and their families.

She shares, “Witnessing how quickly sepsis can escalate from a manageable infection to a life-threatening emergency made me realize the significant impact that early recognition and intervention can have on saving lives. I believe that increasing awareness of sepsis will empower people with the knowledge needed to recognize the signs and symptoms earlier and seek medical care sooner. This is what motivated me to pursue a proclamation for Sepsis Awareness Month. This proclamation is a step towards a future where more people are informed, and fewer families endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to sepsis in South Carolina. Thank you for your support, Governor McMaster!”

To join Faith in securing a Sepsis Awareness Month proclamation in your state, visit sepsisalliance.info/SAMProclamations2024.

Are you registered for the Sepsis Alliance Summit? This three-day virtual conference is set to take place next month – and it’s FREE to sign up!

The event is designed to explore an array of sepsis-related topics in healthcare and will include presentations from clinicians, survivors, and industry experts. Continuing nursing education credits will be available, as will post-event access to resources and ideas that can help improve sepsis care.

Visit SepsisSummit.org to complete your registration, browse session topics, and learn about our expert speakers.

Although healthcare professionals are often on the frontlines in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, we all play an important part in combating this global public health threat.

As we approach Sepsis Awareness Month this September, it’s important to remember that dispelling misconceptions and providing information about what sepsis IS NOT is just as important as sharing information about what sepsis IS.

Learn simple ways you can help us raise awareness next month at SepsisAwarenessMonth.org.

Did you know that our Sepsis Superhero Challenge offers tiered prize incentives so participants can earn more items as they surpass each fundraising milestone? This year, prize incentives include:

→ Sepsis Awareness Superhero capes with It's About Time™ cards
→ 16 oz Sepsis Superhero Challenge tumblers
→ Dual cup holder folding chairs with carrying bags

Ready to earn your items while you raise awareness and honor those affected by sepsis? Visit SepsisSuperheroes.org to learn more about our annual one-mile activity challenge and register for FREE today!

Did you know that August is National Make-A-Will Month?

Sepsis Alliance offers a variety of tools to help you protect your loved ones and create a legacy that will last a lifetime.

Download our free estate planning guide, review our online Wills Planner tool, and more at SepsisLegacy.org.

Last month, Stephanie’s injury from a cat bite rapidly progressed to sepsis. “Little did I know that despite seeking medical care and receiving my first antibiotic doses within 36 hours of the bite, I would end up admitted to the hospital with secondary cellulitis and sepsis by the fifth day following the bite,” she shares.

“I was very fortunate that I made it to the hospital before I reached the point of having septic shock,” Stephanie recalls. “Because the specific bacteria (Strep type A) was not identified until the third day of my hospitalization, I will be dealing with ongoing healing of a bad wound for the foreseeable future.”

She continues, “As a healthy adult who happens to work in healthcare as a project manager, I never expected to experience something like this. I hope my story helps to bring better public awareness about the symptoms and severity of sepsis and the need to seek immediate treatment.”

Read more of Stephanie’s story below. To share your experience, visit sepsisalliance.info/FacesOfSepsis.

Stephanie Lambert On July 14, 2024, I stepped on a cat's foot or tail and it bit me. Little did I know that despite seeking medical care and receiving my first antibiotic

Sepsis can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate against race, gender, age, economic status, or geographic barriers. If an infection is present, so is the risk of sepsis.

As we approach the start of Sepsis Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that dispelling misconceptions and providing information about what sepsis IS NOT is just as important as sharing information about what sepsis IS.

Learn simple ways you can help us raise sepsis awareness next month at SepsisAwarenessMonth.org.

Registration for the 8th Annual Sepsis Superhero Challenge is now officially open – and it’s FREE to participate!

This September, join sepsis awareness advocates across the world and run, walk, bike, swim, or do any other mile-long activity to raise awareness and honor those affected by sepsis. You can take the challenge as an individual or you can recruit family, friends, and coworkers to partner with you by creating a team.

Visit SepsisSuperheroes.org to register, download our helpful toolkit, and learn more about our NEW prize incentives!

Did you contract a healthcare-acquired infection that progressed to life-threatening sepsis?

Although the majority of sepsis cases originate in the community, there are also instances of healthcare-acquired infections causing this life-threatening condition. Visit sepsisalliance.info/HAIs to learn more.

Nicole and Peter are two of our Sepsis Awareness Advocates in Illinois who reached out to Governor Pritzker and helped secure a Sepsis Awareness Month proclamation for the state!

Nicole survived septic shock that developed two weeks after she gave birth. She shares, “I was in the ICU/hospital for 10 days fighting for my life, so spreading awareness is extremely important to me as I never want someone else to have to experience what I did.”

Peter advocates in honor of his late wife Gail, who passed away from septic shock in 2020 when undiagnosed diverticulitis led to a perforated bowel. He shares, “Gail and I were married 30 years and were looking forward to so many more years together until this tragedy. She was a beautiful woman who loved life, and cared deeply about public health and safety, and I know she would want me to do all I could to raise awareness so that we can put an end to this serious public health issue.”

Thank you, Peter and Nicole, for your work to raise sepsis awareness! To join them in securing a Sepsis Awareness Month in your state, visit sepsisalliance.info/SAMProclamations2024.

Ashley Park recently shared more about the battle with sepsis that nearly took her life earlier this year.

In her cover story for the Fall 2024 issue of Cosmopolitan, the 33-year-old actress explained how she became seriously ill while on vacation in January. “Once I got there, I got really sick with tonsillitis. Then everything really started going wrong. I was in different ICUs and then air ambulances for a month,” she recalls. “I pushed myself too far. I was not listening to my body.”

Read more about her recovery below.

Ashley Park Says It’s a 'Miracle' She Recovered from Septic Shock: 'I Pushed Myself Too Far' ‘Emily in Paris’ star Ashley Park said in a new interview that she’s feeling 'lucky' and called her recovery after being hospitalized in the ICU for septic shock earlier this year a 'miracle.'

Hospital discharge doesn’t signify the end of medical challenges for many who have survived sepsis. In fact, it’s estimated that post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) affects as many as one out of every two sepsis survivors.

As we approach Sepsis Awareness Month this September, it’s important to remember that dispelling misconceptions and providing information about what sepsis IS NOT is just as important as sharing information about what sepsis IS.

Learn simple ways you can help us raise sepsis awareness next month at SepsisAwarenessMonth.org.

The clock is ticking! ⏰⏰

Do you want Sepsis Awareness Month officially recognized in your state? There are only 25 days left to ask your governor to make a proclamation before the annual observance kicks off on September 1!

It only takes a few simple clicks to tell your local leaders about the importance of raising sepsis awareness. Visit sepsisalliance.info/SAMProclamations2024 to learn how to contact your governor’s office today! If you’ve already requested and received a 2024 proclamation from your governor’s office, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

Back-to-school season is here, and with it often comes common childhood infections. Unfortunately, children aren’t immune to illnesses and injuries, no matter how hard we try to protect them.

Although many infections will resolve with treatment or symptom management, some can lead to sepsis. Learn more in the slides below about some of the most common infections that present in children and the symptoms you should watch for.

Learn more at sepsis.org.

Looking for Sepsis Awareness Month swag?

Visit sepsisalliance.info/Shop to check out totes, stickers, and more for Sepsis Awareness Month!

When nontuberculous mycobacteria settle in the lungs, they can lead to a serious infection with the potential to rapidly progress to life-threatening sepsis. This , it’s important to learn more about nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease and know the signs of sepsis to ensure early recognition and treatment.

Learn more at sepsisalliance.info/Symptoms.

NTM Info & Research

Have you heard a story or read an article that describes sepsis as an infection? Sepsis is actually your body’s response to an infection – it is not the infection itself.

As we approach Sepsis Awareness Month this September, it’s important to remember that dispelling misconceptions and providing information about what sepsis IS NOT is just as important as sharing information about what sepsis IS.

Learn simple ways you can help us raise awareness next month at SepsisAwarenessMonth.org.

It’s almost that time of the year, sepsis awareness superheroes! Are you ready to join advocates across the world for our 8th Annual Sepsis Superhero Challenge?

As part of Sepsis Awareness Month in September, superheroes will complete a one-mile activity of their choosing within their communities. You can walk, swim, run, or bike your way to raising funds that help support sepsis awareness programs and initiatives.

Registration for this year’s challenge is FREE and will officially open on August 15. Mark your calendar and get ready to show the world you’re a Sepsis Awareness Superhero!