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State M.O.M.s
Judy Miller
Coal City, Illinois
Mother of Beth, Who Died of Meningococcal Disease
Beth Miller
Judy Miller's daughter, Beth, was away at college when she was rushed to the hospital with classic symptoms of the flu. Doctors diagnosed Beth with meningococcal disease, a potentially fatal bacterial infection. One day later, Beth died from this potentially vaccine-preventable disease. Judy knew about the risks associated with meningitis for infants, but was unaware adolescents and college students are at increased risk.
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Doogie Mayberry
St. Charles, Illinois
Mother of Kaitie, Who Survived Meningococcal Disease
Kaitie Mayberry
Doogie's daughter, Kaitie, almost lost her life to a serious bacterial infection called meningococcal disease, when she was a freshman in college. Kaitie went to the emergency room with a migraine and was then admitted for what doctors suspected was a severe case of the flu. During the six hours it took the Mayberry's to drive to the hospital, Kaitie's condition worsened. Doctors placed Kaitie in a medically induced coma and told her parents she had a one percent chance of survival. Kaitie remained in the hospital for weeks before her condition began to improve. Doogie feels very fortunate that her daughter did not suffer long-term health consequences as the disease can lead to organ failure or limb amputations.
For more information about prevention and meningococcal vaccination recommendations, click here.
"Be aware that you can protect your children and your families from meningococcal disease," said Doogie. "My family had to learn the hard way and now I want everyone to know that there is a vaccine available that can help prevent this devastating disease."
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Lisa Naumann
Waterloo, Illinois
Mother of Sarah, Who Survived Meningococcal Disease
Sarah Amman
Lisa's daughter, Sarah, was only 13-months-old when she suddenly got sick on March 29, 1996. Just after going to bed, Sarah developed a fever and began vomiting. The following morning small purple spots began to appear all over her body. Sarah's doctor advised Lisa to take her to the hospital immediately. Doctors diagnosed Sarah with meningococcal disease and transferred her to another hospital. To save her life, the doctors had to amputate both of Sarah's legs above her knees, part of her right arm, her nose, upper lip, and front palate. Sarah spent three months in the hospital recovering. As a result of the infection, Sarah also had permanent brain damage and experienced seizures. Since then, Sarah has undergone many additional surgeries and continues to require ongoing medical care. She's happy to be enrolled in school now, where she spends time reading, singing, and socializing.
For more information about prevention and meningococcal vaccination recommendations, click here.
"I hope all parents will be vigilant and learn to recognize the symptoms of meningococcal disease," says Lisa. "I tell every parent I know who has a child old enough for vaccination to take advantage of it."
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