Advocate Profile, Evergrace Davis

Evergrace Davis’ son, Terrance, was 20-months-old when he contracted meningococcal disease, also known as bacterial meningitis. One morning, Terrance woke up with a cough and a fever. Evergrace initially thought her son had the flu, but suspected something more serious when his condition failed to improve. Evergrace took her son to the emergency room where doctors discovered he had meningococcal disease. Terrance spent two weeks in the hospital before he was well enough to go home. Thankfully, Terrance suffers no permanent disabilities and is a happy and active child. After speaking with other parents who lost their children to the disease or whose children suffer permanent disabilities, including amputations, Evergrace feels fortunate that Terrance survived without long-term health consequences.

“After I learned about the meningococcal vaccines, I had both of my daughters immunized. I encourage parents to speak with their child’s healthcare provider about immunization and determine the most appropriate approach to vaccination.”