Advocate Profile, Sorcha McCrohan

Sorcha was only 11 years old when she lost her mother, Janet, to meningitis. Janet was a healthy and active mother of four in May 2010 when she suddenly became ill. She went to seek treatment at a hospital for severe back pain and was sent home with pain medication. Two days later, her husband found her unconscious and called 911. She returned to the hospital where doctors performed a lumbar puncture and confirmed she had bacterial meningitis. After two weeks in the hospital, Janet died.

Sorcha did not know her mother’s death could have been prevented with a vaccine. She now works with the NMA and founded a club at her high school to educate students and parents about meningitis prevention.

“On the day my mom died, I promised her I would spread awareness about this disease so that no one else in my community would have to suffer the same pain as my family.”