Gianna, 16 years old of Warwick, RI developed a sore throat Oct. 13, 2017 that worsened into pneumonia, then sepsis, a life-threatening blood infection. Doctors amputated her leg in hopes of curbing the infection, however, multiple vital organs continued to fail. On November 1st, at approximately 6pm, Gianna moved on from her pain to a much more comfortable, peaceful place. The disease that got into Gianna's beautiful little body was much larger than her. The disease won; but not without the most courageous battle
Pediatric sepsis affects millions of children worldwide every year, and carries a high risk of severe illness and even death. Sepsis is the most common cause of death in hospitalized children in the country, including in Rhode Island. While sepsis occurs most commonly in patients with chronic conditions or the extremes of life, it also occurs in health children. In sepsis the body has a dysregulated response to common infections. Early sepsis in children often overlaps routine illness and is currently difficult to predict. While there are recognizable signs and symptoms of sepsis, not enough is currently known about its underlying causes. Thus, pediatric sepsis research is a critical forefront in health care efforts.
Sarah Spencer Welsh, MD, FAAP
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Clinician Educator
Hasbro Children's Hospital/Rhode Island Hospital
Susan J. Duffy, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine & Pediatrics
Hasbro Children's Hospital/Rhode Island Hospital
Our office had the immense pleasure of meeting with The Gianna Cirella Memorial Fund to donate items for their First Annual Gala and First Annual Gistrong 5k Run/Walk. Want to donate to the worthwhile cause or sign up for events? Click here: http://bit.ly/2E4r615
