How a Small Infection Changed My Life

In 2018, a small infected cut on my thumb led to septic shock–a catastrophic dysregulated immune response that caused organ failure and DIC–loss of circulation to my hands and feet. I was not expected to survive.

With excellent medical care, tremendous advocacy from my family, and a lot of luck and prayer, I woke up after a week in the ICU to the reality that I had survived against incredible odds, but not without serious consequences.

I became a multiple amputee, losing seven partial fingers and both legs below the knees.

When I became sick with sepsis, I had heard of it and knew it was serious, but I had no idea how to recognize the symptoms. Even though I knew others who had experienced it, I didn’t know how to tell when it was happening to me. 

Becoming a Sepsis and Amputee Advocate

Sepsis is responsible for 20% of deaths worldwide, yet many people still don’t know what it is or how to detect the symptoms.
I want to help change that!

I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness to help prevent others from becoming as sick as I did in order to save lives and limbs from sepsis.

By turning my personal tragedy into a platform for education, I’ve reached millions of people with sepsis awareness and limb loss information.

Eighteen months after nearly losing my life to septic shock, I joined the Board of Directors at Sepsis Alliance to represent sepsis survivors and people living with complications caused by sepsis. Since I began volunteering with Sepsis Alliance, I have dedicated much of my time to spreading awareness about this silent killer in my community, through media interviews, at public and private events, and online through my social media channels. 

In addition to my sepsis advocacy, I volunteer with the Amputee Coalition. I serve as a Lead Advocate and a Certified Peer Visitor, offering support to others facing limb loss.