Sepsis Survivor Week

Share your story, help others survive.

As many as 60% of sepsis survivors are left not only with physical challenges but mental and emotional challenges too.

During Sepsis Survivor Week we partner with sepsis survivors to honor their experience by sharing their individual stories of survival and bringing awareness to the unseen mental, emotional, and physical challenges many survivors face every day.

Sepsis Survivor Week is an annual observance that takes place the 2nd week of February. In 2027, it will be observed from February 7th to February 13th.

We prepared these shareable resources to help you honor sepsis survivors and spread awareness of the challenges they face. Will you join us?

Click here for three easy ways to start spreading awareness this Sepsis Survivor Week.

Are you a healthcare professional looking for courses around sepsis survivorship? Find courses and discussions in Sepsis Alliance Institute. Click here.

You can also make a gift to support Sepsis Alliance resources by clicking here.

To learn more about sepsis survivorship and find resources for sepsis survivors, click here.

 

Infographics to Share

Spread the word – #SepsisSurvivor

Click here to access downloadable infographics, like the ones below, to share with your social media community. Remember to hashtag #SepsisSurvivor and tag @SepsisAlliance.

       

       

**Please see below for usage regulations

Sepsis Alliance Connect

Sepsis Alliance Connect is a virtual support community designed for the millions of people affected by sepsis. Each year, an estimated 1.4 million people survive sepsis and over 350,000 adults die from sepsis in the United States alone. Sepsis Alliance Connect is a place for these survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and those left behind after a sepsis death to come together and share resources, insight, and encouragement about their sepsis experience and life after sepsis. Learn more and join by clicking here.

Download the Sepsis Survivor Week Poster

Thank you to everyone who provided photos for our Sepsis Survivor Week poster in 2021!

Click below to download, print, and share, to honor our Sepsis Survivors and their journey!

 

Download the poster – 11″ x 17″ – click here

 

**Please see below for usage regulations

Life After Sepsis Videos

 

Interested in more videos featuring sepsis survivors? Check out Sepsis Alliance’s YouTube channel by clicking here.

Caregiver Information

When your loved one becomes ill with sepsis, it can be a scary time – one that most people aren’t prepared for. You may not know what sepsis is or how to help your loved one.

Download our guide, When a Loved One Has Sepsis: A Caregiver’s Guide, for more information about navigating this difficult time.

To download the guide, click here

 

 

 

 

Read Survivor Stories

Patricia Audin

Survivor

I had been feeling off. My GP sent me in hospital for a few days. I was discharged. They found nothing wrong. I had no tests or anything. I remember being dressed ready for home when I had a seizure and my heart stopped. I had to have CPR of course. I didn’t remember any of this. They thought I had a kidney stone so did a lot of scans and found I had an abscess in my spinal column and sepsis. I was in agony. I stayed in the hospital 4 months on IV antibiotics around the clock. I ... Read Full Story

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Cassandra Vestal

Survivor, Survivor

I got my IUD taken out to start IVF. I began hemorrhage, bleeding. I knew I was dying and wasn’t taken seriously until I passed out with my oxygen at 50%. I had 2 life saving surgeries a near heart attack, and pneumonia.  (Sepsis and Pneumonia) My family was told I wouldn’t make it. I lost my entire reproduction system. However, I’m glad I was one of the few to survive. Read Full Story

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Christina Cole

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

What began as a routine medical procedure turned into a life-threatening medical catastrophe. I developed septic shock, endured a prolonged hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and permanent physical disabilities, including amputations. My recovery has involved years of physical rehabilitation, emotional healing, and adapting to a life forever changed by trauma. Through this experience, I learned firsthand the devastating impact sepsis can have on patients and families. I am now committed to raising awareness about sepsis recognition, patient safety, informed medical decision-making, and healthcare advocacy. To share my journey and help others feel less alone, I wrote Through the Ashes, a memoir detailing ... Read Full Story

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Rita H.

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

On March 28, 2023, I came face to face with death—and by God’s grace, I survived. It all began during an emotionally overwhelming season. After a painful breakup, I began experiencing prolonged, abnormal menstruation that lasted for 25 days. While I had an OB/GYN appointment scheduled, it was still weeks away, so I turned to my trusted family doctor—someone I had seen for over 25 years. I explained that I was dealing with mood swings and excessive bleeding. According to the medical intake notes, a full culture exam was recommended. But my doctor didn’t review it. She didn’t examine me ... Read Full Story

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Tirzah S.

Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor, Survivor

For three long months, I battled a persistent urinary tract infection (UTI) that refused to go away, despite multiple rounds of antibiotics. (Sepsis and Urinary Tract Infections) By August, the situation took a turn for the worse as my symptoms intensified. Chills, nausea, and weakness began to plague me, culminating in a sudden wave of fatigue so overpowering that it felt like I might pass out while washing dishes. Initially, I thought this was my chronic fatigue issue, I carried on with my day until the back flank pain escalated, becoming unbearable by nightfall. Realizing I needed medical attention, I ... Read Full Story

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Usage Regulations

**This site and all resources presented and linked within it are the sole property of Sepsis Alliance. This site and the resources presented are meant to be shared and used for educational and awareness-raising purposes only. The site and resources presented and linked within cannot be reproduced and sold for monetary value. When used for educational and awareness-raising purposes, the materials must be used as follows:

  • The materials must be used in their original, unaltered state, which includes not cropping, adding alternate logos, websites, or additional graphics, etc.
  • The Sepsis Alliance logo and any other logo on the material must be clearly visible
  • The trademark(s) (™)must be clearly visible
  • The copyright must be clearly visible
  • Do not add any logo to the materials, unless you have been given prior approval from Sepsis Alliance
  • The Sepsis: It’s About TIME™ logo cannot be reproduced and used without the approval of Sepsis Alliance

If you are interested in co-branding any of the materials presented or linked, please contact Alex Colvin at acolvin@sepsis.org for pricing information.