Anniversary request
Mon 30th Jun 2008 by Ben Palmer.
Four years ago today, a good mother died unnecessarily from an archaic illness. The world may not have noticed immediately, but the three year old boy crying in his bed, the six day old girl feeding in her father's arms and the grieving widower did.
Together the three of us have kicked, screamed and cried at more than one time or another, not necessarily in synchronisation.
We are now building a new life for ourselves but a few things haven't changed in the years that have past: we don't like what happened, we miss Jessica and we don't want another son, daughter or husband to live through what we have.
All three of us, to the extent of the understanding that we each have, want to do what we can to prevent another mother's death from childbed fever, but we need your help.
On this fourth anniversary, we would like you to tell four (or more) people, who don't already know, about Jessica's Trust, what childbed fever is and what the symptoms of childbed fever are.
Please ask them to do the same as well. Thank you.
Ben, Harry and Emily. x
tags: campaign childbed fever death
Ben,
my thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. i have posted a message on a parents forum i am a member of telling them all about Jessicas trust and asking them to pass this message on.
take care
Leigh.x
Leigh, Thank you so much. Thank you for spreading the message as well; as ever your support is so valuable.
Hi Ben
Thinking of you,Harry and Emily this week. I am with AIMS Ireland and so as a group we are actively involved in trying to create awareness to mums and families and service providers about all aspects of maternity care. On a more personal note, Group A strep postpartum infection is something I have personal experience of (thankfully caught in time as I mentioned before) and so I will continue to share with all, the devastating effects it can have. All those I refer to your website are truly shocked and saddened but are so thankful to be made aware of this cruel infection.
Hope you are being "minded" this week.x
Hi Ben
I read an article about you in the newspaper, and decided to visit the site.
If I ever get the chance to I'll buy your book!
Hi Ben
Just wanted to say I have just finished your book, I only got it yesterday and I have a 4 month old baby so this was quite an achievement (as I am sure you will understand). I was aware of your campaign before I gave birth to my son this year and made sure I was aware of all the symptoms of puerperal sepsis. Thankfully I was fine but I did have to remind the nurses on the ward to take my temp and BP ( I would never even have thought about this if it hadn't been for you). As for the book, what can I say...you are an inspiration. You told your story with such admirable honesty. Such a tragic loss of life. It made me cry but it also gave me hope. You were so honest about your problems but you cam through for the children. I am sure they love you so much
Laura
xxxxx
I read the article in Pratical Parenting magazine and then came to your website. Words cannot express how I feel. I am off to post on a forum to highlight this to four friends and many more. I wish you and your children all you wish yourself.
I was touched when I read your story. I think what you are doing is great. I wish you the very best.
Ben,
I found your story on facebook, and it really touched my heart. I suspect what happened to your poor wife, almost happened to me in 1985.
I felt good after my daughter was born, but after ten days I suddenly sickened with high fever 105 degrees (40 Celsius). Oral antibiotic did nothing, and luckily, my Gynecologist immediately put me in the hospital, but it took almost 24 hours of the strongest antibiotic intravenously to bring me back. I thought I was dead. I had a c-section, but they couldn't connect the infection to that. My Gyn said it was just one of those fevers women get after childbirth.
I will definitely spread the word. I'm sure you have saved lives.
Bless your heart and your two dear children, and bless Jessica. No one should endure such pain, or the bigger pain of knowing it could have been prevented.
Sincerely,
Connie