4th Annual Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5K Run and Walk, Presented by Presence Health, Raises Over $50,000 to Support Sepsis Awareness

August 9, 2017

On July 29, 2017, Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5K Run and Walk invited the community to join in raising awareness for sepsis

Orland Park, IL – The 4th Annual Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5K Fun Run and Walk, presented by Presence Health, at Centennial Park recruited over 225 participants and raised over $50,000 to benefit Sepsis Alliance, the nation’s leading nonprofit patient advocacy organization promoting awareness of sepsis. Just over half of Americans have heard of the nation’s third leading cause of death – sepsis. The fun 5K run/walk aimed to change that by raising awareness for this treatable and preventable condition.

Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threating response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Because sepsis can not only be treated, but prevented, thousands of lives can be saved each year by simply raising awareness of its symptoms.

“We are so grateful for the support from the Illinois community. The stellar attendance and generous donations will support the mission of Sepsis Alliance to raise awareness and save lives from sepsis,” said Thomas Heymann, Executive Director of Sepsis Alliance. “We’re thankful for the voice that these volunteers give to sepsis. They are truly making a difference and saving lives from sepsis.”

This year’s event honored Ethan, Theresa and Cole Sappington. Ethan is a sepsis survivor who endured multiple amputations and is an inspiration to others.

“Every two minutes, someone dies from this often-treatable condition. We are excited about the results of this year’s event , which brings our community together to shine a much-needed light on sepsis,” said Laura Messineo, RN, BS, MHA, Presence Health TeleHealth Strategy and Development System Director. “We’ve made great progress with Gabby’s Law last August, requiring all hospitals to implement sepsis protocols, but there’s still a lot to do to continue raising awareness throughout the state.”

For more information on sepsis or Sepsis Alliance, please visit Sepsis.org.

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 About Sepsis Alliance

Sepsis Alliance is the nation’s leading sepsis advocacy organization, dedicated to saving lives by raising awareness of sepsis as a medical emergency. A 501(c)(3) organization, Sepsis Alliance was founded by Dr. Carl Flatley after the sudden, unnecessary death of his daughter Erin to a disease he had never even heard of. Sepsis Alliance produces and distributes educational materials for patients, families and health providers on sepsis prevention, early recognition and treatment. The organization also offers support to patients, sepsis survivors, and family members through its sepsis.org website which receives more than 1.5 million visits each year. The organization founded Sepsis Awareness Month in 2011, and works with partners to host community outreach events across North America. Since Sepsis Alliance began its mission, sepsis awareness has increased almost threefold, from 19% to 55%. For more information on Sepsis Alliance, a GuideStar Gold-rated charity, please visit https://www.sepsis.org/.

About Presence Health

Presence Health is the largest Catholic health system in Illinois, serving over 4 million people in 11 counties. With over 150 sites of compassionate care including 12 hospitals, over 17,000 associates and more than 4,000 medical professionals, Presence Health has annual revenue of $2.6 billion.