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State M.O.M.s
Lynn Bozof
Marietta, Georgia
One of five founding members of the National Meningitis Association
Mother of Evan, Who Died of Meningococcal Disease
Evan Bozof
Lynn's son Evan was a junior at Georgia Southwestern University when he lost his life to meningococcal disease. He was pitcher for his college baseball team and in excellent health. On a Wednesday morning in March 1998, Evan, called Lynn to say he had a terrible migraine headache. When the symptoms worsened, Lynn suggested he go to the emergency room. Hours later, he was in intensive care. For weeks, Evan struggled to fight the infection. Lynn and her family were surrounded by doctors and medical teams, clinging to any indication that he might live. But one complication followed another - extremely low blood pressure, damage to the lungs and liver, gangrene of the limbs followed by amputation of all his limbs, seizures and finally, irreversible brain damage. Evan died 26 days later. Lynn and her family were not aware that adolescents are at increased risk for contracting meningococcal disease and that it is potentially vaccine-preventable.
For more information about prevention and meningococcal vaccination recommendations, click here.
> Download Full Bio (PDF)
"Had we known about vaccination, Evan would definitely have been immunized, and he would be alive today."
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Denise Copp
Atlanta, Georgia
Mother of Trevor, Who Died of Meningococcal Disease
Trevor Copp
Denise Copp's son Trevor was a freshman at Georgia Tech University, who was living at home, when meningococcal disease took his life. Trevor wasn’t feeling well one morning, but Denise assumed he was exhausted from his fraternity initiation. However, when he began vomiting, and complained of chills and sensitivity to light, Denise took him to the emergency room. Hours later, doctors noticed a purple rash and suspected meningococcal disease. They began treating him with antibiotics, but it was too late. Trevor died 15 hours after his symptoms started.
For more information about prevention and meningococcal vaccination recommendations, click here.
"If I knew then what I do now about meningococcal disease and how deadly it can be, I would have had Trevor vaccinated," said Denise. "As a parent, you do everything you can to protect your children."
> Listen to PSA (mp3)
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Tama Lee
Atlanta, Georgia
Mother of Casey, Who Died of Meningococcal Disease
Casey Lee
Tama Lee currently resides in Atlanta, GA. Tama had never heard of meningococcal disease until her son Casey contracted the life-threatening bacterial infection while a senior in high school. Casey died only 18 hours after experiencing the first symptoms of the disease. It was only after her son's death that Tama learned immunization may have saved his life.
> Full Bio (PDF)
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