Meningitis in your words

Sharing stories to save lives worldwide

Storytelling is powerful, bringing experiences into focus and forging connections like nothing else. That is why the telling and reading of an individual, real experience of meningitis can spread awareness, foster understanding, and inspire and empower others. Through words, each account offers hope, comfort, and, above all, saves lives. Whether you carry the physical and emotional scars of meningitis or are grappling with the aftermath, your testimony can ignite action, understanding and strength in others across the world.

Meningitis in your words

2,030 voices for 2030

Stories of meningitis. For you, by you. Submit your story
15 last month Our goal

898 stories

2030

Your latest stories - in your words.

As we head towards 2030, people are adding their stories every day. So, whether you want to motivate and inspire others or want to read people’s experiences of meningitis and sepsis, you’ll find a story that resonates and reminds you that you are never alone.

Herbert Cruz's full story
  • International
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Herbert Cruz's story Corría el año 2017. Yo tenía 21 años: un joven lleno ...
Jamie Moore's full story
  • USA
  • Viral
  • Baby 0-1
Jamie Moore's story My son, Jamie, was born perfectly healthy. We spent three days in the hospit...

All stories

Herbert Cruz's full story
  • International
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Herbert Cruz's story Corría el año 2017. Yo tenía 21 años: un joven lleno ...
Jamie Moore's full story
  • USA
  • Viral
  • Baby 0-1
Jamie Moore's story My son, Jamie, was born perfectly healthy. We spent three days in the hospit...
Ana Castillo's full story
  • Spain
  • Group B meningococcal (MenB), Meningococcal
  • Adult 25-59
Ana Castillo's story Mi historia no tiene un pasado. No sé cómo empezó todo ni cómo se...
CoMO Member
Sergio Sánchez Valles's full story
  • Spain
  • Pneumococcal
  • Young Adult 20-25
Sergio Sánchez Valles' story Sergio era un joven de 20 años, sano y lleno de vida. Trabajaba como soldado mientras estudiaba Pesc...
Amelia Vitiello's full story
  • Italy
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Toddler 1-3
Amelia Vitiello's story My name is Amelia Vitiello, and I am the President of the National Committee Against Meningitis &nda...
CoMO Member
Enrique Chavez Garcia's full story
  • International
  • Pneumococcal
  • Adult 25-59
Enrique Chavez Garcia's story In 2019, I had my first experience with meningitis...
Liam Camacho's full story
  • International
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Adult 25-59
Liam Camacho's story Myself and my husband, Liam were on our mini-moon in Skiathos, Greece, where we were having an amazi...
Haisleigh Kitty Finlay 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Toddler 1-3
Haisleigh Kitty Finlay 's story My daughter got meningococcal sepsis on June 6th 2025. We were sent home from hospital ...
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Make a difference. Share your story.

Survivors, partners, parents, carers, friends, heath workers – everyone has a story to tell. Every story is unique, personal and has something to offer. Whether it’s compassion, encouragement, optimism or despair, by sharing your story you will be helping others who are suffering or have suffered from meningitis and sepsis, letting them know that they are never alone.

Journeys of hope

Even in the darkest of moments, there is hope. People who have overcome meningitis share their inspiring stories of recovery and optimism for the future. View all
Scott Stillman's full story
  • USA
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type, Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Scott Stillman's story In August 2021, our daughter Lucy returned to St Lawrence University in upstate New York for her sec...
Seema Jaswal's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Seema Jaswal's story TV presenter Seema Jaswal contracted meningitis at the age of 16, while she was studying for her A-L...
Kirsty 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Adult 25-59
Kirsty 's story

Stories of strength

Tales of courage, determination and resilience, and how the human spirit can conquer even the hardest of challenges brought by meningitis. View all
Lewis Bell's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis, Group W meningococcal (Men W)
  • Child 6-12
Lewis Bell's story I was called to pick up Lewis, my ten-year-old son, from school because he had a headache. He said h...
Sonny Rathod's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Adult 25-59
Sonny Rathod's story It was January 2025 and I had just recently returned to work, having relocated back to the UK after ...
Monica's full story
  • Europe
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Monica's story My name is Monica from Norway. B...

Tales of tenacity

Living with and through meningitis is a battle in all sorts of unimaginable ways. Here, people share their tales of overcoming hurdles and winning even the smallest of battles. View all
Dianora 's full story
  • Group B meningococcal (MenB)
  • Young Adult 20-25
Dianora 's story
Irene Lopez's full story
  • Spain
  • Bacterial meningitis
Irene Lopez's story On September 14th 2012, I was 29 years old. T...
CoMO Member
Cameron's full story
  • Australia
  • Pneumococcal
  • Baby 0-1
Cameron's story Cameron was five and a half months old when he developed pneumococcal meningitis in a remote country...

Circles of support

Coping with meningitis is often a team effort. Read the experiences of families and friends who have supported their loved ones through their battle with meningitis. View all
Jay Aston and Josie Colquhoun's full story
  • UK
  • Bacterial meningitis
  • Teenager
Jay Aston and Josie Colquhoun's story Bucks Fizz singer, Jay Aston, immediately recognised t...
Emily 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Young Adult 20-25
Emily 's story
Mellodi March's full story
  • USA
  • Unknown meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Baby 0-1
Mellodi March's story I am Katelyn March, Mellie's mommy. H...

Healthcare heroes

Stories that celebrate the compassion and commitment of healthcare professionals, and the vital role they play in treating and supporting people with meningitis. View all
Hayley Tamaddon's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Adult 25-59
Hayley Tamaddon's story Actress, Hayley Tamaddon, famous for her roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, contracted mening...
Erin Lamond 's full story
  • UK
  • Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
Erin Lamond 's story My daughter contracted ecoli meningitis at 10 days old...
Simone Shoffman's full story
  • UK
  • Viral
  • Toddler 1-3
Simone Shoffman's story Social media influencer Simone, also known Si Si, Shoffm...

Beyond meningitis

Many people don’t want to be defined by their illness. Here, they share their stories of personal growth, pursuing their passions and fulfilling their ambitions. View all
Aaron Phipps MBE's full story
  • Other bacterial meningitis and septicaemia (sepsis) type
  • Teenager
Aaron Phipps MBE's story Gold medal-winning Paralympian, Aaron Phipps MBE, had to have both legs ampu...
Leo 's full story
  • UK
  • Meningococcal
  • Baby 0-1
Leo 's story