How a Small Infection Changed My Life

In 2018, a small infected cut on my thumb led to septic shock and nearly cost me my life. The infection caused a catastrophic dysregulated immune response that caused organ failure and 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 lost both legs below the knees and the tips of most of my fingers.

Raising Awareness About Sepsis

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

When I became sick with Sepsis, I had heard of sepsis 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. 

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 limb loss from sepsis.

Becoming a Sepsis and Amputee Advocate

Eighteen months after nearly losing my life to septic shock, I joined the Board of Directors at Sepsis Alliance. Since then, I’ve dedicated much of my time to spreading awareness about this silent killer. 

By turning my personal tragedy into a platform for education, I’ve reached millions of people with sepsis awareness information. I’ve worked with policymakers in Washington State, Hawaii, and Washington D.C. to advocate for better sepsis and amputee policies and regulations.

Reaching Millions Through Speaking and Social Media

In 2020, I delivered a keynote address at the first-ever Sepsis Alliance Summit on the second anniversary of my illness. The video of that talk received over 1,000 views per day during the first month and continued to grow to over 500,000 views to date.

I was shocked at the success of that video. I had no idea my voice could help Sepsis Alliance raise awareness among so many.

I began flirting with social media as a means to spread sepsis and disability awareness outside of Sepsis Alliance, and was rewarded with followers longing to learn more about my sepsis story and my new life with multiple amputations. 

I joined forces with a powerhouse sepsis advocate from England, and we have built a community of over 190,000 people across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. My content has reached tens of millions and sparked vital conversations about sepsis, amputations, and resilience.

Working With Organizations to Save Lives

I’ve shared my story with many respected organizations, including:

• Sepsis Alliance

• Amputee Coalition

• Enhancing Skills for Life

• World Sepsis Congress

• Microsoft

• T2 Biosystems

• Edwards Lifesciences

• Pfizer

• BioMérieux

•  Viven Health

I advocated for the re-endorsement of the SEP-1 process measure through the National Quality Forum. This measure improves early sepsis detection and is linked to lower 30-day mortality rates.

Advocating for the Amputee Community

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.

I have even done a bit of modeling and acting in my 50’s, representing disability and limb difference. I continue to seek opportunities to represent people with disabilities in advertising and media.

Writing My Memoir: Finding Solid Footing 

On May 5, 2026, I will be launching the memoir that I have been writing for six years–Finding Solid Footing: Thriving Beyond the Unimaginable. It tells the story of my near-death experience and the physical and emotional recovery that followed.

The book is not just about surviving—it’s about finding strength in adversity. I hope it helps others discover the strength within themselves.

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re looking to collaborate, book a speaking engagement, or learn more about sepsis awareness and limb loss advocacy, I’d love to connect.

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