Stop Foodborne Illness is a national nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to
the prevention of illness and death from foodborne pathogens.

I entered every parent’s worse nightmare. I watched my child die a brutal death.

The agonizing events, from his first abdominal cramp to his death, occurred over a 4-day period.

Alex's Story

This experience was nothing more than a problem to be solved and I was smart enough to solve it.

I thought the day would come when I would just turn a corner and then, somehow, I’d have my life back.

Dani's Story

As I allowed myself to feel the hope and gratitude of a positive prognosis, all the “what-ifs” began to intrude. What if we hadn’t taken his temperature when we did? What if the infection continued to progress without intervention for even 12hrs longer?

Elliot's Story

“The good news,” said the Doctor, “is that you do not have Crohn’s Disease. The bad news is that you’ve contracted E. coli O157:H7.” I had no idea what this combination of letters and numbers meant.

Patrick's Story

“Why did this happen to me?” was the question that hung on me and wouldn’t let go. I was physically active and healthy and so I wondered why, out of the 90 people affected by this outbreak, I was the one who got the most sick. Nothing in my life was private and it felt like people were walking on eggshells around me ... all I felt was lost and alone..

Kiley's Story

By Monday, after being at Nikki’s side 5 nights and 6 days, I was getting somewhat hysterical at times with extreme worry. The doctors told my family that I needed to go home and get some rest.

Nicole's Story

I wish I knew then what I know now, I would have demanded that stool culture. ... I was feeling like a crazy person. I could see that something was clearly wrong with my son but the doctors didn't see it.

Jensen's Story