Advocate Profile, Suzanne Graham

Suzanne’s daughter, Samantha, was a vibrant, outgoing 22-year-old college senior when her life was tragically cut short due to meningococcal disease. One morning in 2002, Samantha called Suzanne complaining of a sore throat, headache and stiff neck. Recognizing the symptoms of meningococcal disease, Suzanne told Samantha to go to the hospital to be tested. Initial blood tests indicated Samantha’s cell count was fine and doctors concluded she was probably suffering from the flu. When getting ready to leave the hospital, Samantha’s sister noticed a rash underneath her arm and immediately called for a doctor. The doctor began treating Samantha for meningococcal disease but sadly, Samantha passed away six days later.