5th Annual Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5K Run and Walk, Presented by Presence Health, Brings Together Sepsis Awareness Advocates in Record Numbers
August 5, 2018
On July 28, 2018, sepsis awareness advocates convened at the Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5K Fun Run and Walk to raise funds and awareness.
Orland Park, IL – The 5th Annual Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5K Fun Run and Walk, presented by Presence Health, at Centennial Park brought together over 230 participants and raised nearly $40,000 to benefit Sepsis Alliance, the nation’s leading sepsis organization. Though sepsis is the third leading cause of death in the United States, only 58% of American adults even know the word “sepsis.” The Illinois Sepsis Challenge 5K has spent 5 years raising awareness in the Orland Park community.
Sepsis, the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death, takes 270,000 lives a year in the United States – that is one life every 2 minutes. Sepsis Alliance strives to save lives and reduce suffering by raising awareness of sepsis as a medical emergency, so people know the signs and symptoms of sepsis and know to seek medical care, “so more survive.”
“We are so grateful for the commitment to raising awareness in this community, and especially to Laura Messineo for continuing to lead this impactful event,” said Thomas Heymann, Executive Director of Sepsis Alliance. “The Illinois Sepsis Challenge continues to honor, celebrate, and remember lives affected by sepsis in Illinois, while raising awareness to save future lives.”
The Neeson family from Mt. Greenwood served as the Honorary Chairs for the 5K. They participated in honor of the late Anne Neeson with their “Angels for Anne” team.
“Mortality from sepsis goes up by as much as 8% for every hour that sepsis goes untreated. By getting the word out about the signs and symptoms, so people know to seek emergency care, we can save lives,” said Laura Messineo, RN, BS, MHA, Presence Health System Director TeleHealth Strategy and Development. “I am so grateful for the continued support from individuals, groups, and companies in this community, working to save lives by spreading awareness.”
Sepsis Alliance would like to thank bioMérieux, Inc. (National Presenting Sponsor), Presence Health (Sepsis Champion Sponsor), UPS and Advocate Christ Medical Center (Mile Marker Sponsors), Philips, Cheetah Medical, First State, Gabby’s Law, Filippo’s Pizza, and Joe Rizza Ford (Silver Sponsors).
For more information on sepsis or Sepsis Alliance, please visit Sepsis.org.
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About Sepsis Alliance
Sepsis Alliance is the leading sepsis organization in the U.S., working in all 50 states to save lives and reduce suffering by raising awareness of sepsis as a medical emergency. Sepsis Alliance is a charitable organization run by a dedicated team that shares a strong commitment to battling sepsis. The organization was founded in 2007 by Carl Flatley, DDS, MSD, whose daughter Erin unnecessarily died of sepsis when she was 23 years old. Carl created the organization to raise sepsis awareness among both the general public and healthcare professionals. Sepsis awareness can and does save lives, yet only 58% of adults in the US have ever heard the word. Sepsis Alliance also gives a voice to the millions of people who have been touched by sepsis – to the survivors, and the friends and family members of those who have survived or who have died. For more information, please visit www.sepsis.org. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter at @SepsisAlliance.
About Presence Health
Presence Health is the largest Catholic health system in Illinois, serving over 4 million people in 11 countries. With over 150 sites of compassionate care including 12 hospitals, over 17,000 associates, and more than 4,000 medical professionals, Presence Health has annual revenue of $2.6 billion.
