Advocate Profile, Lisa Naumann

Lisa’s daughter, Sarah, was only 13-months-old when she suddenly got sick on March 29, 1996. Just after going to bed, Sarah developed a fever and began vomiting. The following morning small purple spots began to appear all over her body. Sarah’s doctor advised Lisa to take her to the hospital immediately. Doctors diagnosed Sarah with meningococcal disease and transferred her to another hospital. To save her life, the doctors had to amputate both of Sarah’s legs above her knees, part of her right arm, her nose, upper lip, and front palate. Sarah spent three months in the hospital recovering. As a result of the infection, Sarah also had permanent brain damage and experienced seizures. Since then, Sarah has undergone many additional surgeries and continues to require ongoing medical care. She’s happy to be enrolled in school now, where she spends time reading, singing, and socializing.

“I hope all parents will be vigilant and learn to recognize the symptoms of meningococcal disease,” says Lisa. “I tell every parent I know who has a child old enough for vaccination to take advantage of it.”