Becky Werner would have turned 26 on Dec. 2.
"She woke up one morning and said she wasn't feeling well," 54-year-old Dee Warner, Becky's mother said. "It was Feb. 24, 2004. She was an honor student, had never missed school, and that day I told her to stay home." In many ways, Becky was a typical 20-year-old college student. She was fun-loving, and loved animals, her car, and boys.
"When I got home at seven that night, all the lights were out, which was odd," Dee said. "Becky said she was all right, but had been in bed all day."
Dee thought Becky had the flu. She checked in on Becky throughout the night and several times found her on the floor curled up in a ball. At 5:30 a.m., Dee gasped when she noticed Becky's eyes had rolled into the back of her head. Immediately, Dee and her husband drove her to St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis. Her fingertips were turning deep blue. As the day progressed, her liver and kidneys shut down. Eventually, 30 friends and family members were there when her heart stopped beating.
A National Institutes of Health Web site defines meningitis as "swelling and inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal fluid. The inflammation causes changes in the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord." It is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, with the latter type far more serious, often resulting in death, permanent brain damage, deafness, hydrocephalus or blindness.
After the funeral, people were giving the Werners money. They took those funds, had a golf outing to raise more, and eventually began The Becky Werner Meningitis Foundation.
"I just thought Becky was telling me I had to do something like this," Dee said.
Today, the Werners work full-time day jobs and, when asked, give free meningitis presentations part-time at high schools. Last year, they spoke to more than 7,000 U.S. students. Their message? Get vaccinated, and don't share your food, lipstick, sodas, and water bottles. The Werners want to spare other families from going through a similar tragedy.
"The vaccination for meningitis is only 85 percent effective," Dee said. "There is no vaccine against (one particular strain) that can kill you or cause deafness, blindness, seizures, or multiple amputated limbs." Thus, the plea to not share food or lipstick with others.
Contact danieljvance.com.
(Blue Valley Sod and All American Foods made this column possible.)
Features
Bacterial Meningitis can be fatal
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4-H news: Jivin Jacksons
The Jivin Jackson 4-H Club met Nov. 30 and visited Flatrock River Lodge and Millers Merry Manor, singing Christmas carols to the residents.
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Five generations celebrate birthday
Bonnie Crain (center) celebrated her 80th birthday along with five generations of family members: Bonita Abrams, Teri Lynn Copple, Stephanie Copple and Anna Michelle Copple.
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what's happening 121211
DECEMBER
TUESDAY (12/13)
l The Milroy Research Literary Club will meet at the home of Valerie Wilson
at 7 p.m. Members are reminded to bring a favorite cherished Christmas ornament.and Tell', and to bring a gift for the Christmas grab bag gift exchange. -
RPD Awards
Several Rushville Police officers recently received awards for their service to the community and the department during the past year.
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School menus 121011
Arlington Elementary School
Monday
Breakfast: Cheese omelet, toast, juice, milk.
Lunch: Cheese breadsticks, marinara sauce, peas, peaches, fruit snack, milk. -
church briefs
Main Street Christian Church
Main Street Christian Church announces their Advent and Christmas events and worship services. The overall Christmas theme of services and events, "The Gifts We Bring Honor the King," lifts up the gifts in heart and spirit that we have to offer Christ this Christmas. Series are held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. -
SLIDESHOW: 10 most dangerous toys
As you shop for the kids and grandkids this holiday season, keep an eye out for potentially dangerous toys. The nonprofit consumer watchdog group World Against Toys Causing Harm, or WATCH, has released its annual list of the 10 worst toys.
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Homemakers On the Go Extension Club
Homemakers On the Go Extension Club met Nov. 15 at the Carthage Library.
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Grieving a loved one during the holidays
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for anyone who has recently lost a close friend or family member.
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Rush County Community Foundation Thank-a-Teacher
As we enter the holiday season The Rush County Community Foundation wants to remind parents and students in all schools in Rush County that the Rush County Education Fund's Thank-a-Teacher is a great way to honor school system employees during the holidays with a gift that will give forever.
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