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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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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Warren Camp

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I went to the hospital with severe back issues, to get a cortisone injection on a Thursday night. They ran tests Friday & scheduled injection for Monday. Saturday, a nurse was replacing an IV. While putting in the IV, she stuck me with the catheter, then pulled it out, sit it down, then stuck me with the same catheter again, digging around (I knew it was wrong but the pain from the back I was in and speed this happened just let it go ). An hour later I noticed the swelling and shut off IV and called the nurse ... Read Full Story

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Upcoming Events

Sepsis Alliance Institute Open Forum – January 2026

January 28, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Date: January 28, 2026 Time: 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM (ET) Description: Join us for the Sepsis Alliance Institute Open Forum, a virtual collaborative space designed for healthcare professionals dedicated …

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Sepsis Alliance Connect: Sepsis and Children: Early Signs and Timely Care

January 28, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Date: January 28, 2026 Time: 3 PM ET/12 PM PT Description:  Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection that can affect children of all ages, often progressing rapidly and unpredictably. …

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Sepsis Alliance Connect: Fueling Recovery: Nutrition After Sepsis and Critical Illness

January 29, 2026 | 3:00 pm - 3:45 pm

Date: January 29, 2026 Time: 3 PM ET/12 PM PT Description:  Regaining strength after sepsis or any serious illness can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This session will …

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Sepsis News

15 Years of Sepsis Awareness Month: A Look Back

January 6, 2026

September 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of Sepsis Awareness Month. This observance was first established by Sepsis Alliance in 2011 to educate the public and healthcare communities about sepsis, a …

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Sepsis Alliance Supports New CMS Measures

December 23, 2025

For more than a decade, Sepsis Alliance has worked alongside clinicians, health systems, and policymakers to improve how sepsis is identified, treated, and measured in U.S. hospitals. This work is …

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Sepsis Alliance Welcomes Villiers Terblanche to Board of Directors

December 2, 2025

Sepsis kills more than 350,000 adults in the United States every year. In 2023, one of them was Sam Terblanche, a 20-year-old college junior with a bright future ahead of …

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