In October 2025, Sadie’s mum Sophia took her to an after hours medical centre who advised her obs were slightly elevated but sent them home. But as soon as they got home, Sophia new something was seriously wrong.
In September 2022, Claudia woke up unwell with what she thought was the flu. Just over twenty fours hours later she was in an induced coma in hospital.
In August 2002, when I was 14, life was about school, friends, and little things like getting excited about the new Subway opening the next day. 24 hours later I was fighting for my life.
Aleina’s Dad calls her the ‘Million Dollar Baby’, given what he estimates her recovery from meningococcal meningitis has cost the New Zealand health system.
It was the 15th of February 2015 when Suede, who was just two and a half months old, fell seriously ill. Suede’s mum, Ashleigh, shares how a normal day quickly turned into a nightmare.
Dion Hodder, affectionately known as D to his mates and Dion Ty when he was in trouble with his mother, was taken from us far too soon on October 20, 2018, by meningococcal septicaemia due to having meningitis at the tender age of 16.
In September 2022, Greta Beach, a full time working single mum, faced an unexpected and terrifying health crisis. When her son was 10 months old, she contracted meningitis.
In a picturesque Samoan setting, what was meant to be a tranquil family holiday for Ryan Bowring and his family took an unexpected turn into a medical emergency, with six-year-old daughter Bronte falling victim to meningitis.
In their account shared for World Meningitis Day 2023, mother-daughter duo Angie and Evie Dent recounts a harrowing journey of how Evie faced meningitis at just 20 years old.
Carolyn Pere's life took a dramatic turn in 2017 when she contracted meningitis at 58 years old, thrusting her on a journey she calls her "Highway to Hell."
In 2007, 21-year-old Kaela had spent the New Year celebrating with friends, unaware that in a few days the stomach flu she had thought she’d recovered from would turn out to be meningitis, resulting in a two-year battle for her health.
Large in stature, and large in heart is how Invercargill Mum, Janelle, would describe her 17-year-old son Vincent, who was well-loved by his whānau and friends.
Follow Phoebe's journey from what seemed like a common flu to a life-threatening battle with bacterial meningitis, as her mother's instincts ultimately saved her life.
Vaccinated against one strain but left vulnerable to another, follow the journey of Lauren and her mother Lindsey as they navigate the devastating consequences of meningitis and fight for awareness and prevention.
Prior to attending university, Bridget picked up a pamphlet about the meningitis vaccine but thought it would never happen to her. Today, after surviving meningitis she’s a strong advocate for the vaccine.
Alisi shares her gratitude for having lived a mostly normal life, despite ongoing health complications.
Emma was just five years old when she contracted meningitis. Now 22, Emma studies at the University of Canterbury and is completing her Masters of Science.
Koen is now a cheeky little 4-year-old who always amazes us and his therapists with how far he has come after a pretty devastating list of possible outcomes.
When Millie fell ill at 9 months old we didn’t know what to expect as first time parents. We never expected meningitis.
Peter and Helen Rowlands’ lives have been impacted by meningitis not just once, but twice.
On November 7 2018, Chloe, who would have turned 19 in February, died in her dorm room at Victoria University.
Courtenay was intelligent, beautiful, sporty and full of life. The void she has left in our life is a forever reminder…
I woke around 2am (Monday 19th August) and felt numb all down my left side. I tried to pick up my cellphone which was beside my bed…
I woke in the early hours of Wednesday morning and I just knew something was wrong…
Matthew was three and a half when he contracted suspected bacterial meningitis in 2009…
Timely medical intervention, a strong will to live and unwavering family support ensured Tania’s survival…
Her quick thinking meant that a meningococcal B infection was diagnosed in time for Sara to receive life-saving treatment…
Her personal and career aspirations were suddenly put on hold as she was struck down with meningitis…
Ten years on, Elly's mother Jo shares with us the story of her little girls fight to live…
The disease struck quickly and took hold of her body so rapidly that there was little the medical specialists could do...
David Jnr was only 14 months old when he contracted pneumococcal meningitis…
That September he was struck down by bacterial meningitis leading to three weeks in a coma in ICU at Dunedin Hospital…
Kardas was an active, healthy seven year old when he contracted meninigococcal septicaemia in 2003…
Lewie was diagnosed with viral meningitis at one month of age…
It all happened so fast and they said something about meningococcal septicaemia and meningitis…
