October 2009:
I heard from a mother who lost her son to meningococcemia. I quote her below:
"As a mother who lost her son to meningococcemia (meningococcal meningitis), I urge all parents to be aware of the symptoms of meningitis and the available vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends routine vaccination for all children ages 11-18 at the earliest possible time and for all college freshmen living in dorms. Please visit the non-profit National Meningitis Association (www.nmaus.org) for more information. No family should endure this tragedy."
December 2009:
I heard from Hanna Latvus, a reader from Finland who contracted meningococcemia in 2008. After months of surgery and with her prosthetics, she has resumed her life, got married and is pursuing a new career in accounting which will allow her to work from home. She found my book on the internet and told me how it made her feel good to hear about some similarities between her and Sheila's experience.