Matthew Choate

September 13th has always been a special day for me—my dad’s birthday. This year, it holds even more significance as Sepsis Awareness Day, a cause that has become deeply personal to me.
On July 7th, my world changed forever. I was woken up by a call from my mom, who was crying and asked me to come and check on Dad. Despite his insistence that he was “fine,” I could hear the concern in my mom’s voice—she’s a retired nurse, so I knew something was seriously wrong. I told her to call an ambulance and rushed over to their house.
When I arrived, I found my dad in bed, lethargic, unresponsive, and struggling to breathe. The paramedics quickly took over, securing an airway and airlifting him to a hospital in St. Louis. My mom and I followed, and when we arrived at the ER, the doctors informed us that my dad’s CT scan showed diffuse subarachnoid bleeds, and one of his pupils was blown. As a nurse, I understood the gravity of the situation, but nothing could prepare me for the overwhelming and discouraging news that kept coming.
Over the next few days, the diagnostic tests, scans, and failed dialysis confirmed what we feared—my father was in septic shock. On July 14th, just a week after that fateful morning, my dad went home to Heaven.
My dad’s battle with sepsis was short but intense, and it highlighted how devastating this condition can be. Sepsis is a medical emergency, and time is of the essence. I share this story not only to honor my father’s memory but also to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of sepsis. Early recognition and treatment are crucial, and I urge everyone to be vigilant.
In memory of my dad, and on what would have been his birthday, I’m dedicating this Sepsis Awareness Day to him. Please take a moment to educate yourself and others about sepsis—it could save a life
“It’s essential to understand that sepsis is more than just an infection—it’s the body’s dangerous and often deadly reaction to one.”
Source: Heather Foster-- daughter