Miranda Stanley
ASMP Advocate
Miranda became an advocate with the American Society for Meningitis Prevention (ASMP) after losing her 19-month-old son, Joseph, to bacterial meningitis in 2016.
Joseph was a joyful, easygoing little boy who always seemed to have a smile on his face. He was the twin brother of his sister, Kyleeann, and the two shared a special bond from the very beginning. He loved to dance with his mom and, after she came home from work each day, he would often climb into her lap for cuddles. Those quiet moments together remain some of Miranda's most treasured memories. His sweet spirit, gentle nature, and contagious smile brought happiness to everyone around him.
What began as an ordinary visit to his grandparents quickly became every parent's worst nightmare. Joseph suddenly developed a very high fever that would not come down and became unusually tired and lethargic. He was taken to a local hospital, where doctors were unable to determine the cause of his illness. Because his condition was not improving and his fever remained dangerously high, he was transferred to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta while doctors searched for answers.
Shortly after arriving at Children's, Miranda stepped outside to call Joseph's father and update him on what was happening. When she returned, she was told she could not go back to see Joseph because the medical team was urgently placing him on a ventilator. In a matter of hours, everything had changed.
After Joseph was stabilized in the pediatric intensive care unit, doctors explained to Miranda that many children with meningococcal disease do not survive beyond the first 24 hours. Despite the devastating odds, Joseph continued to fight. Over the next three weeks, his family remained by his side as one of his lungs collapsed, his kidneys began to fail, and the infection spread throughout his body, causing the characteristic purple rash. During those long days and sleepless nights, Miranda found herself walking the same path over and over—from Joseph's hospital room to the chapel—praying for a miracle and holding onto hope with every step.
After three weeks of fighting with incredible strength, Joseph's condition continued to decline. Surrounded by love, Miranda and Joseph's father made the heartbreaking decision to let their precious little boy go.
Today, Miranda shares Joseph's story in the hope that no other family will have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child to meningitis. By raising awareness of the warning signs, the speed at which the disease can progress, and the importance of prevention, she hopes Joseph's legacy will help save lives. Although his life was far too short, his joyful spirit continues to inspire others and remains the driving force behind her advocacy.
