What is Sepsis?

Sepsis, which was often called “blood poisoning,” is a life-threatening emergency that happens when your body’s response to an infection damages vital organs and, often, causes death. Learn more about the symptoms of sepsis, which kills 350,000 adults each year in the United States.

Faces of Sepsis™

Faces of Sepsis™ is a collection of sepsis experiences, as told by sepsis survivors, caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one. Click below to read their stories or submit your own.

Krystal Anderson

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Krystal Anderson: A Life Cut Short from Maternal Sepsis, A Legacy of Strength and Resilience Krystal Anderson’s life was marked by vibrant dedication to her passions and profound love for her family. A mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, Krystal was a beacon of joy and inspiration to all who knew her. Her sudden passing at the age of 40 from maternal sepsis, mere days after the tragic stillbirth of her daughter Charlotte Willow, left a community in mourning and a family without its cornerstone. Krystal was a dynamic and impactful person to everyone she encountered. She thrived in dual ... Read Full Story

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Belle Richardson

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Before sepsis, I lived an active and health-conscious life. I walked daily, paid attention to nutrition, drove independently, and trusted my body to carry me through long workdays and full schedules. I had experienced back pain for years, so when I developed discomfort again, I attributed it to something familiar and manageable. At first, this infection felt ordinary. I visited a local clinic several times during the first week that I felt the symptoms but nothing appeared extraordinary in the initial evaluations, and I was prescribed antibiotics. I continued forward, assuming it would resolve. Then everything escalated. One night I ... Read Full Story

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Aleha I.

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I am a disabled veteran, work culture expert, and survivor of sepsis. Before this experience, In 2020, while serving on active duty, I underwent a total hysterectomy following years of debilitating pain. I had developed severe endometriosis as a result of a prior traumatic assault during a deployment several years earlier. The surgery itself was emotionally devastating, but I believed the worst was behind me. I was wrong. Approximately ten weeks after surgery, I developed a high fever and intense abdominal pain. (Sepsis and Surgery) Concerned, I went to seek medical care at my assigned military clinic immediately. Because I ... Read Full Story

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Abhijit Manwar

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My heart aches as I write this tribute to my beloved elder brother, Abhijit. He was a strong pillar in my life, always guiding me with his wisdom and kindness. His untimely departure on 21st March 2024 has left a void that can never be filled. Abhijit’s journey began with a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle through dieting. However, little did we know that this decision would have devastating consequences. His weight loss was accompanied by a weakening of his immune system, resulting in excruciating pain in his legs. Despite numerous treatments and medications, his condition only worsened, leading ... Read Full Story

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Charlene W.

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Hello to everyone, my story begins Jan 2024 after I had full hysterectomy surgery. (Sepsis and Surgery) They sent me home with the catheter in my bladder which gave me a UTI. (Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) I was given antibiotics but obviously it wasn’t caught in time before invading my bloodstream and organs. A few days later my sister rushed me to the ER and demanded I was seen immediately. I was lethargic, weak, in pain, eyes yellow, 103 temp, very delusional. Immediately they started running tests, etc., and was told I had sepsis. I spent 2 weeks in ... Read Full Story

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Upcoming Events

Pediatric Sepsis Week

April 19, 2026 | 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Join Sepsis Alliance for the third annual Pediatric Sepsis Week, April 18th to 24th, to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sepsis in children, recognize the 75,000 children …

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Webinar: From Evidence to Action: Implementing the IPSO Change Package in Real-World Care

April 21, 2026 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Time: 11 am – 12 pm ET / 8 am – 9 am PT Description:  Sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children, yet variation in care …

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How to Request Appropriations for 2027 – Office Hours

April 22, 2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Time: 1pm EST Description: Stop by anytime during these special “office hours” to ask questions and learn how the federal appropriations process works. Advocates like you …

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Sepsis News

David Elin Joins Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors

April 13, 2026

Sepsis Alliance, the leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing suffering by improving sepsis awareness and care, today announced that David Elin has joined its Board of …

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The Power of Experience: Best Practices for Including Sepsis Survivors, Caregivers, and Loved Ones in the Public Sepsis Conversation

March 3, 2026

In healthcare, data drives decisions, research shapes protocols, and metrics guide improvement, but stories change systems. When we invite sepsis survivors, caregivers, and loved ones to share their sepsis experiences …

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Sepsis Alliance Open Request for Proposal

February 23, 2026

Sepsis Alliance invites qualified vendors to submit detailed proposals for a comprehensive, organization-wide brand marketing strategy. This RFP is intended to identify a trusted, guiding presence to help Sepsis Alliance …

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