Annie-Jo Ashwell
ASMP Advocate

I’m a survivor of meningococcal meningitis. Getting meningitis at 16 years old changed the direction of my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined at the time. It reshaped how I see the world and gave me a deep understanding of just how fast-moving, devastating, and life-altering this illness can be — not only for the person affected, but for their family and wider community too. 

That lived experience is why meningitis awareness and prevention are so personal to me. I know firsthand how suddenly everything can change, and how critical early awareness and education really are. 

For the past eight years, I’ve worked in the nonprofit and charity sector, leading events, building partnerships, and supporting missions rooted in sustainability, social impact, and public engagement. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the power of bringing people together — how thoughtful planning, storytelling, and collaboration can inspire action and create meaningful, lasting change. 

I chose to become an advocate with the American Society for Meningitis Prevention because I truly believe awareness saves lives. Too many people still don’t recognize the symptoms, understand the risks, or realise just how preventable many cases of meningitis can be. By sharing my story and using the skills I’ve developed professionally, I hope to help raise awareness, support survivors and families, and ensure fewer people are ever caught off guard the way I was. 

Advocacy allows me to turn something deeply personal into something purposeful. Through ASMP, I’m committed to helping elevate education, prevention, and community, so more families can be spared the fear and uncertainty that meningitis brings.