The Daily Mail recently published an article on Saturday titled “New York boy, 12, dies from ‘silent killer’ that affects as many people as cancer – sparking first-of-its-kind bill,” which highlighted the work of End Sepsis and shared Rory’s tragic story.

From the article:

“Ciaran Staunton said his son’s ambition was ‘to save the world,’ but 12-year-old Rory was never able to fulfill that dream.

In March 2012, Rory, from New York City, cut his arm while diving for a ball during a basketball game. Later that night, he woke with severe pain in his leg, and by morning, he had a 104-degree fever. Just four days later, Rory tragically passed away from sepsis, a deadly overreaction of the immune system that causes the body to attack its own tissues and organs.

Now, his parents, Ciaran and Orlaith Staunton, are advocating for hospitals to do more to prevent other families from experiencing such devastation. They’re pushing for the adoption of standardized sepsis protocols and increased education around this deadly condition.”

The article continues by discussing the life-saving work that End Sepsis has championed, particularly with Sepsis Protocols, and the recent Sepsis Act, introduced two weeks ago. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in announcing the SEPSIS Act (Securing Enhanced Programs, Systems, and Initiatives for Sepsis), emphasized:

“Sepsis is a devastating medical condition that unjustly claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. The real tragedy is that many of these deaths are preventable if detected early enough. The federal government must continue to raise awareness and invest in research to combat this ruinous condition and save lives.”

Mr. Staunton added, “This is the first major federal response to sepsis.”

Sepsis is particularly dangerous because it often begins with seemingly mild symptoms like fever, fatigue, or shortness of breath. But if not treated swiftly, it can spiral out of control, leading to multi-organ failure, heart attacks, and even amputations due to tissue death. Antibiotics and vasopressor medications, which redirect blood to vital organs, are critical in treating infections and saving lives.

Mr. Staunton explained, “Sepsis is very easy to detect if you’re looking for it. If you rule it out, you either confirm safety or save a life.”

Mrs. Staunton added, “It would have saved Rory’s life.”

Read the full article HERE