Kamryn Thissell

On August 24, 2025, our lives changed forever when we lost our daughter, Kamryn, to a rare bacterial infection called Clostridium sordellii. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections) Before that day, we had never heard of Clostridium sordellii. Like most people, we had no idea such an infection existed, let alone that it could take the life of a young, healthy person so quickly. Today, we share Kamryn’s story not only to honor her memory but also to raise awareness and help others understand that this devastating illness does not always follow the patterns that medical literature often describes.

Who Kamryn Was

Kamryn was an animal lover with a kind and generous heart. She cared deeply about the world around her and always looked for ways to help, even in simple acts that reflected her compassion. One of the places that was especially meaningful to her was Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Haven. Every year after Halloween, Kamryn would donate her pumpkins so the sanctuary animals could enjoy them. It was a small tradition, but one that perfectly reflected who she was. She loved animals, found joy in caring for them, and believed that even small gestures could make a difference.

To those who knew her, Kamryn was much more than the circumstances of her death. She was a daughter, a friend, a source of laughter, and a bright presence in the lives of many people. She had dreams, plans, and a future that should have stretched far beyond her years.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Kamryn died from a Clostridium sordellii infection, a rare and often aggressive bacterial illness that can cause toxic shock syndrome, overwhelming infection, and sepsis. (Sepsis and Toxic Shock Syndrome) What makes her case especially difficult to understand is that she did not fit the common risk factors frequently associated with this infection. Kamryn was not pregnant. She had not recently given birth. She had not experienced a pregnancy loss. She did not inject drugs. She was not immunocompromised. She had not suffered a significant traumatic injury.

When people search for information about Clostridium sordellii, they often find discussions about infections related to childbirth, gynecological procedures, injection drug use, or severe trauma. Because Kamryn’s case did not involve any of those circumstances, finding answers has been challenging. While rare cases have been documented in otherwise healthy individuals, much remains unknown about why this infection sometimes occurs and why it progresses so rapidly in certain people.

Living With Questions

One of the most difficult parts of losing Kamryn has been living with unanswered questions.

How did this happen?

Where did the infection begin?

Could anyone have known what was happening sooner?

Could anything have changed the outcome?

These are questions that many families facing rare illnesses ask, and often there are no clear answers. The rarity of Clostridium sordellii means that many people—including healthcare providers—may never encounter a case during their careers.

The lack of answers does not lessen the loss. It simply becomes another part of carrying it.

Why We Are Sharing Her Story

We are sharing Kamryn’s story because awareness matters. When information about rare infections is limited, unusual cases can easily be overlooked. Families searching for answers may feel isolated when their experiences do not fit the typical descriptions they find online. We want people to know that Clostridium sordellii can occur outside the commonly recognized risk groups. We want healthcare professionals, researchers, and the public to understand that rare diseases do not always follow expected patterns. Most importantly, we want people to know about Kamryn.

Behind every medical case is a human being. Behind every statistic is a family whose lives have been changed forever.

Kamryn’s Legacy

Although Kamryn’s life was far too short, her impact continues. She left behind memories of kindness, compassion, and love. She taught us the importance of caring for others, whether they walked on two legs or four. She showed us that small acts of generosity can leave lasting impressions. By sharing her story, we hope to keep her memory alive and ensure that she is remembered not for the illness that took her life, but for the beautiful person she was.

Kamryn was loved beyond measure. She is missed every day.

And she will never be forgotten.

Source: Julie Thissell, Mother