Testimonials
"To say we are forever grateful for this organization does not seem like nearly enough words to cover it.
Late November, my 19 year old son became suddenly very ill. Thru a mutual friend, Tara reached out to us while he was hospitalized and educated us with the facts we needed to recognize, that all his signs could most likely be sepsis.
Not being in the medical field, we had no idea. Essentially, Tara’s knowledge, support and guidance saved our son's life. There are no words to ever thank this beautiful family for their help. Forever love and gratitude."
~ Nate T’s family 💜
_____________________________
"The ongoing work that the Gianna Cirella Memorial continues to do in raising awareness to the signs, symptoms, and severity of sepsis has impacted my life more than I ever anticipated.
In the late summer of 2023, I experienced significant inflammation in my right knee (it turned melon sized overnight) that seemed to appear out of nowhere with no injury. I was put on a precautionary antibiotic and instructed to monitor the pain and swelling over the next 24hrs. The following day it felt worse, I went to an ER where emergency surgery was performed to remove an infection known as Septic Bursitis.
Had I not known the signs associated with Sepsis, along with the critical factor time plays in addressing the condition, I may have waited to see if it improved at all over another day or two.
Had it not been for the work the Gianna Cirella Memorial does informing people of the disease, I could have faced unimaginable consequences for something otherwise treatable. I am grateful for all of the hard work and dedication their team puts in every year to continue this effort."
~ Robert J 💜
_____________________________
"Despite my professional background as a nurse practitioner and specialist in public health, I waited too long to seek treatment for what I thought was "just a respiratory virus." In March 2023, I sought emergency care for a rapid onset of severe breathing difficulties. My husband took me to Kent hospital in Warwick because it was the closest ER to our home and I was in respiratory distress. I did not realize that I was in the throes of septic shock as a result of pneumonia, but thankfully, the intake nurse at the ER had some clear insight. Barely five minutes after passing through the doorway of the ER, I was receiving IV antibiotics, vasopressors, oxygen, and all the supportive care needed for my condition. I am certain that these were life and limb saving actions. I attribute the rapid assessment and recognition of my condition by the intake nurse and her colleagues largely in part to the adoption of the new sepsis protocols. I spent three weeks in the hospital that included lung surgery, including a couple days in the ICU. Today I am fully functional, at age 66, and also very grateful for the care that I received.
I firmly believe that the work of Gianna's family to raise awareness of sepsis, to improve sepsis recognition and treatment procedures, and to enshrine this into RI law greatly contributed to my continued existence."
~ Wendy D. 💜
_____________________________
"In 2017, I heard a story that shook me to my core. A local 16 year old girl named Gianna became ill and, within a short time, lost her life to sepsis. I did not know her, but her story never left me.
After learning about the foundation her mother created in her honor, I reached out and offered my photography services for their first 5K. I still remember that day vividly. The weight of grief and love in that space was overwhelming. I went back to my car afterward and cried. From that moment on, Gianna’s story stayed with me and I shared it whenever I could.
In 2020, sepsis struck again when one of my closest friends, Jess, passed away after a battle with a rare cancer complicated by sepsis. The loss was devastating.
In 2021, my own life changed forever. I underwent a necessary medical procedure and developed septic shock. I spent months in the ICU on life support, undergoing multiple surgeries and Hail Mary procedures to save my life.
Surviving septic shock changes you. I am grateful to be here, but I live with lifelong complications that I continue to face every day.
In a few years, sepsis took Gianna, took Jess, and nearly took me too. It does not discriminate. Awareness, education, and research are our greatest hope. I now return to the 5K as a survivor, supporter, and advocate, standing with a foundation that has supported me in ways I can never fully express."
~ Megan T. 💜