Using their heartbreak to spread awareness

The couple, devastated by the loss of their son, is now using their heartbreak to help raise awareness about meningitis.

”If we can help even one family, that would mean everything,” says Jordan, holding back tears as he talks about his son.

Each year, around 3,000 people in the United States — about one in every 100,000 — are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Up to 10% of bacterial meningitis cases can be fatal. While the infection can affect people of any age, infants and young children are at the highest risk.

Bacterial meningitis often begins with symptoms like headache and fever, which are common to many other illnesses, making it hard to diagnose at first.

As the infection progresses, more specific signs appear, such as a severe headache, neck pain when bending forward, a stiff neck, and occasionally sensitivity to light.

Later symptoms may include confusion, lethargy, or seizures. The condition can worsen quickly, with some patients experiencing delirium or falling into a coma by the time they seek medical help.