Evan’s Story: Timely Recognition and Sepsis Protocols Prove Lifesaving

My son Evan was born with a rare condition that affects his autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital functions. As a result, he does not respond in the typical way to illnesses. Last year, after a July 4th weekend celebration with friends, Evan woke up and didn’t feel well. Within hours he grew dizzy and fainted. We called 911. 

When the EMTs arrived, Evan’s blood pressure was 50/30, dangerously low. They rushed him to Hasbro Children’s, where the ER staff discovered Evan had developed a bacterial infection in his blood and lungs from aspiration pneumonia. They quickly began sepsis protocols. He spent a week in the hospital, where a number of specialists saw him to determine how to help him recover and prevent aspiration pneumonia and sepsis in the future. 

I had heard about the Cirella family’s story through a mutual friend. When Evan was treated so quickly, I knew that we had the Cirella family to thank for their relentless and tireless efforts to ensure that sepsis education and protocols were in place in every medical facility in the state. However, at the same time my heart also broke into a million pieces knowing that their daughter’s loss was the reason my son was able to survive this horrifying experience. 

Gianna Cirella and her family will always be in our hearts. #GiStrong!

~ Evan’s mom, Jaime T, on behalf of the entire family