Krystle Beauchamp
ASMP Advocate

In 2004, at 19 years old, I was a junior at the University of New Orleans studying communications and an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. After returning to campus from holiday break, I developed a severe migraine and was lying on a bench outside when I called my parents. Thankfully, they were still nearby. They immediately came back to campus, took one look at me, and rushed me to the emergency room.

Doctors quickly suspected meningitis, and tests confirmed meningococcal meningitis. I am alive today because of my parents’ quick action and the fast response of hospital providers. I remained hospitalized for several weeks during what was an incredibly frightening time for both me and my family.

Like many survivors of meningococcal disease, I continue to live with lasting effects from the illness. I experienced gallbladder and liver complications, temporary hearing loss, and required months of speech therapy. I also continue to face ongoing autoimmune-related health concerns.

At the time I became sick in 2004, meningococcal vaccination was not yet routinely recommended in the U.S Today, I advocate with the American Society for Meningitis Prevention because I want others to understand how quickly meningococcal disease can become life-threatening and that prevention matters. I speak at colleges and universities throughout my community to raise awareness about meningitis prevention, vaccination, and the importance of recognizing symptoms early.