Advocate Profile, Ashley Graber

Ashley’s daughter, MaLea, almost lost her life to a rare but serious infection called meningococcal disease when she was just 7 months old. One day in 2011, MaLea had a high fever and wasn’t acting like her cheerful self. MaLea’s doctor suspected a virus and told Ashley to take her home to rest. Within hours MaLea grew lethargic. When Ashley saw a purplish rash on her body, she rushed MaLea to the hospital. To save her life, doctors had to amputate both legs above her knees. MaLea has since undergone 24 surgeries and has years of rehabilitation ahead. Vaccines to help prevent meningococcal disease are available for children 9 months and older, and Ashley hopes that one day a vaccine will be available to help protect younger infants.

“Before Malea got sick, I didn’t understand just how serious this disease was or what it could do to the body,” said Ashley. “I hope to educate other parents to help them recognize the signs and symptoms and to understand that vaccination is available for children 9 months and older.”