Donna Lufkin

Donna’s Story

Donna’s daughter Samantha Bennett was a healthy 9-month-old baby when she contracted meningococcal disease. Donna thought Sam had the flu but when her fever worsened and a purplish rash appeared on her arm, she knew something was seriously wrong. She rushed her firstborn to the emergency room.

Doctors recognized the symptoms of the potentially fatal bacterial infection and did everything they could to save her life. Sam survived, but remained in the hospital for six months undergoing multiple surgeries. Her skin was permanently scarred, her nose damaged, and several fingers and toes were amputated.

Over the past 39 years, Sam has undergone 30 surgeries and still deals with pain on a daily basis. Today, Sam is an artist and a mom of two adorable boys – Donna is a doting grandmother.

Before Sam contracted meningococcal disease, Donna had never heard about it. She and her daughter are both dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, its signs and symptoms and available vaccines.

Donna’s daughter, Sam

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