Jamie’s Story (Meningococcal Disease)

I was a healthy, active 20-year-old college student at the University of Texas at Austin when my life changed overnight.

What started as flu-like symptoms quickly became something much more serious. Within hours, I was fighting for my life with meningococcal disease (also known as meningitis). I spent more than seven months in the hospital, and my family was told there was only a small chance I would survive.

I did survive—but not without life-changing consequences.

The infection led to the amputation of both of my legs below the knee and all of my fingers. I had to learn how to walk again with prosthetic legs, adapt to everyday tasks in completely new ways, and rebuild my life from the ground up.

Recovery wasn’t just physical. There were moments of grief, frustration, and uncertainty as I tried to imagine what my future would look like. But over time, I discovered that while an infectious disease changed my body, it didn’t define who I would become.

A Meningococcal Disease Survivor’s Story of Loss, Resilience, and Advocacy

Today, I live independently, travel extensively, advocate for vaccine education, and compete internationally as a member of Team USA in paraclimbing. I also co-founded The J.A.M.I.E. Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to meningitis prevention and education. My work has taken me across the United States and around the world, where I share my story with healthcare professionals, students, legislators, and families to help raise awareness about meningococcal disease and the importance of prevention.

One of the hardest parts of sharing my experience is knowing that many people have never heard of meningococcal disease until it affects someone they love. The disease can progress incredibly quickly, often in just a matter of hours. That’s why education, recognizing the signs and symptoms, and staying up to date on recommended vaccinations are so important.

If sharing my story helps even one family ask their healthcare provider about meningococcal vaccination or recognize the urgency of severe symptoms, then reliving my experience is worth it.

My life today looks very different than I imagined at 20 years old—but it is full of purpose. I hope my story reminds others that infectious diseases can have lifelong consequences, that prevention saves lives, and that even after unimaginable loss, it is possible to build a meaningful and fulfilling future.

Jamie’s Advice

I hope my story encourages families to learn about meningococcal disease, talk with their healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations, recognize the signs and symptoms of serious infection, and seek medical care immediately if they suspect something is wrong. Prevention and awareness have the power to save lives and prevent lifelong disabilities.