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.

Matthew Sucese

Survivor

About a couple weeks ago (currently the 17th of July) I was sent to the ER to find out I had a 8MM kidney stone, after blood work they had taken a different tone. I wasn’t aware I had sepsis until the second day in the hospital, they wanted to keep me calm until I had my surgeries. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones) My nurses and doctors were fantastic I am incredibly thankful they were so attentive and so kind when I was at my worst. I was told that if I waited a day it would have been fatal, I ... Read Full Story

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Michael Lathon

Survivor, Survivor

I started having continuous UTIs in the last week of January 2022. (Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) After every hospital stay I would get another one in about 7 days. After multiple trips to the hospital I developed sepsis and Covid but no one could figure out why. I was then placed on a super drug that killed the infection but also killed my good bacteria. I was then sent home with a PICC line in my arm to do my own IV for another month of treatment. After that I developed the septic rash and a huge posterior neck ... Read Full Story

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Keith Throop

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

Back in early November 2021, I underwent a transrectal biopsy for prostate cancer that led to complications. After about three days, I was in the emergency room with acute prostatitis and sepsis. (Sepsis and Surgery) Apparently, the usual antibiotics they had given at the time of the procedure (Cipro) failed to work. I spent four days in the hospital and went home feeling much better and taking a different antibiotic (Augmentin). However, after about three more days, I was back in the emergency room again with acute prostatitis and sepsis. This time I spent six days in the hospital, during ... Read Full Story

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Juan Carlos Montanez

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Tribute

I met my husband Juan in 2012 we were married in 2013. I knew he was diabetic because he shared that with me. He also had a few toes amputated on his feet due to his diabetes. (Sepsis and Diabetes, Sepsis and Amputations) Our entire marriage I always made sure he took care of himself and didn’t do too much of anything due to how sensitive his feet were from getting diabetic ulcers feet. Juan was very good at hiding the problem. Through the years I learned on what to look for and how to know something was wrong. Juan ... Read Full Story

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Jay Venom

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Tribute, Survivor

I was at the severe sepsis stage when I was hospitalized, I wasn’t aware I had sepsis. I ignored the symptoms and thought it was a mild case of food poisoning. As days went by my symptoms worsened. I’m so grateful everyday for allowing me to beat this, and I,m so glad I was able to find Sepsis Alliance online! I became more educated about what sepsis is more than I was when I was inpatient. Now I don’t feel alone knowing there are other survivors like me. Read Full Story

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Upcoming Events

Sepsis Alliance Connect: New Platform Tour

April 2, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: April 2, 2024 Time: 2 PM ET Description:  Whether you’re excited to see what new features are available in Sepsis Alliance Connect or you’re a bit worried about any …

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Sepsis Alliance AMR Conference

April 10, 2024 | 10:30 am - 5:00 pm

Date: April 10-11, 2024 Time: 10:30 am – 4:50 pm ET / 7:30 am – 1:50 pm PT Description:  Designed to explore cutting-edge solutions for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in healthcare, …

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Sepsis Alliance Voices Advocacy Training: Storytelling for Advocates

April 18, 2024 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Date: Thursday, April 18th, 2024 Time: 2 pm ET – 3 pm ET / 11 am PT – 12 pm PT  Description:  Do you have a personal experience with sepsis – …

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Sepsis News

Sepsis Alliance Receives Competitive Engagement Award from PCORI to Further Patient Engagement and Sepsis Work

March 26, 2024

Sepsis Alliance has been approved for a Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an independent, non-profit research organization created to help patients and those …

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World Oral Health Day

March 20, 2024

March 20 is World Oral Health Day. Learn about sepsis and oral health by clicking the link below.

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World Kidney Day

March 14, 2024

March 14 is World Kidney Day. Learn more about sepsis and kidney health by clicking the link below.

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