Alexa Carlin

You never realize how quickly your life can be taken away from you until it actually happens. On January 26th, my life changed completely. I was feeling sick the week before with symptoms from what I thought was the flu. My mom had come to visit me at the University of Florida (It was my last semester senior year) for the weekend to celebrate my company, Hello Perfect’s 1,000 Likes Party.

Although I was feeling sick, I got in the shower and tried to get ready for the party. My chest started pounding intensely and my mom could tell something was definitely wrong with me. People were on their way to celebrate from out of town, and 2 hours before the party started, we canceled it and my mom rushed me to the hospital.

I thought I was just ill from the flu, but within minutes of arriving, I was being rushed into the ER with 25 doctors surrounding me starting to hook me up to a bunch IVs. They informed my mom that I was very ill and I would need to be put into a medically induced coma. Having a mask strapped on my face to help me breathe and seeing doctors rushing around me frantically, I began to panic.

Five days later, I woke up in the Intensive Care Unit at Shands Hospital. I had no recollection of what had happened and looking around, I saw family from South Florida in the room wearing gowns, masks and gloves. I was frightened, to say the least. I had a tube down my throat and IVs all around me and I was unable to move or speak on my own.

I spent 8 days in ICU with the capabilities of a newborn. During the time in ICU, I only had the power of my mind and all of the positive energy and good vibes from a Facebook page my little sister and best friend made for me called, Good Vibes For Alexa.

This experience has taught me a lot and I know it will have an effect on me every day in the way that I perceive my life. I am now working hard to raise awareness for Sepsis and make a difference in others lives by showing them how quickly your life can pass.

Take each and every day as a gift, a gift to live, to see the world and to enjoy this beautiful time you have on Earth.