Emma Stephan

Emma touched countless lives in her short but vibrant 13 years. She was a friend who truly listened, a shoulder to cry on, a mentor to her peers, and the one who could always make you laugh with a perfectly timed joke. She jumped into the pool with the biggest splash, played board games late into the night, and could be found flipping through the air wherever she went. Gymnastics was her passion, but so was adventure—whether it was exploring outside in the snow, traveling to new places, or simply saying “yes” to any opportunity for fun.

She loved to cook, and her food was as warm and inviting as her spirit. Her piercing blue eyes sparkled with excitement, and her heart was impossibly big. Emma had dreams—so many of them—and a future that should have been hers to live.

Emma was a healthy, active 13-year-old, balancing school, friendships, and gymnastics. But her story took an unexpected turn—one that shows how silent and devastating sepsis can be.

It all started with something so small: a cut on her finger from a plastic container. A week later, an infection developed, and she was treated with antibiotics. The issue seemed to resolve—until nearly two months later, when she woke up with sudden knee pain. She was taken to the doctor, but her condition was misdiagnosed as a simple joint injury. In reality, Emma had a septic joint and this led to septic shock, causing her to go into cardiac arrest and suffer massive internal bleeding.. (Sepsis and Bacterial Infections)

Emma’s story is heartbreaking, but it is also a call to action. Her passing underscores the urgent need for pediatricians, family doctors, and the entire medical community to be better educated on the early signs of sepsis. Awareness and swift intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

Emma’s family is committed to ensuring that no other family has to endure the same tragedy. They continue to spread awareness of pediatric sepsis and advocate for better recognition of its warning signs.

Beyond her fight, Emma was pure joy. She loved blueberries and watermelon, curling her hair, planting flowers in the spring, paddle-boarding, and math—which she excelled at without even trying. She found happiness in grocery shopping, often dancing down the aisles, and she had an unmistakable love for elephants—symbols of strength, memory, and gentleness. That was Emma: strong, unforgettable, and full of love.

Her light lives on through those who knew her, through the lessons she left behind, and through the mission to educate others about sepsis. Emma’s story can save lives.

Source: Kirsten Dunn - mother