How a Small Infection Changed My Life

In 2018, a small cut on my thumb led to septic shock and nearly cost me my life. The infection spread quickly, and I went into organ failure. I survived, but not without consequences. I lost both legs below the knee and the tips of most of my fingers.

Raising Awareness About Sepsis

At the time, I had no idea what sepsis was. Even though I knew others who had experienced it, I didn’t recognize the signs. Now, I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness and help prevent others from facing the same outcome.

Sepsis is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths worldwide. Yet many people still don’t know what it is, or how to spot the symptoms.

Becoming a Sepsis Advocate

Eighteen months after my illness, I joined the Board of Directors at Sepsis Alliance. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to spreading awareness about this silent killer. I was even described in a national magazine as “one of the nation’s leading advocates for sepsis awareness.”

By turning my personal tragedy into a platform for education, I’ve reached hundreds of thousands of people. I’ve also worked with policymakers in Washington State, Hawaii, and Washington D.C. to push for better sepsis and amputee support.

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 has been viewed nearly 300,000 times.

On social media, I’ve built a combined following of over 120,000 people across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. My content has reached 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:

• World Sepsis Congress

• Microsoft

• T2 Biosystems

• Edwards Lifesciences

• New York State Office for the Aging

• BioMérieux

I also helped support 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.

Recently, I’ve also begun working as a model and actor representing disability and limb difference. A Seattle magazine even featured me on the cover in a piece about my fitness journey.

I continue to seek opportunities to represent people with disabilities in advertising and media.

Writing My Memoir: Discovering Your Grit

I’m currently writing a memoir titled Discovering Your Grit. 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 grit 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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