Haley Vazquez

Hello! My name is Haley and I am a proud survivor of septic shock. In January of 2019, I had fallen ill. My temperature reached 102.4. As the week progressed, I began to lose feeling in my left leg. Whilst my body was slowly shutting down, My mom and I took a trip to a pediatric clinic where my muddy urine was mistaken for dehydration. A few doctor’s visits and one blood test later, it was clear I needed to head to the ER immediately. After those long hours in the ER, my memory is blank.

February of 2019, I wake up in the ICU attached to too many IVs to count. I was recovering from heavy medication due to a month-long medically induced coma. For the month of January, doctors were sure I wouldn’t make it. But alas my body persevered to health. My lungs had collapsed 4 times, loss of hearing in the left ear from medication, loss of all 10 tips of the toes, and a loss of the tip of my middle finger.

When I was 13, I had to face the possibility of death. 6 years later, I have completed my first semester of sophomore year at college with straight As. Despite my physical losses, in 2021 I completed my Level 6 state competition for gymnastics. I continue to hike, do yoga, create art, and spend time with the people I love. I thank God each day for allowing me to continue this journey of life. The wonderful doctors who helped me in 2019 are the reason that I can continue to live a life where I can enjoy the things I love most.

No matter how big your loss is, you are so powerful and able to accomplish anything. Sending love to all in the Sepsis Alliance ❤️