There isn’t much I remember about it, but I have heard how terrifying the experience was not only from my parents, but from my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends. I know I would sleep on the floor to avoid the nurses, and I would smile and lie that I felt better so that we could go home. I was so young and fragile, and the day we were released to go home was the best day of all of our lives.
Yes, if I am not sure how someone made it or if I don’t know the person well, I try to avoid meat such as a burger or steak.
Luckily, I was young enough to not recall any of those tough feelings or memories. My mom definitely had a tough time after we were released from the hospital because she felt as though it was her job to protect me. She would constantly cut my burger (even when I was a teenager) and Even though she didn’t do anything wrong, she felt responsible (that’s just how mothers are). We came together, as one family, and took everything one day at a time. We enjoyed the little things because those times together are what mattered.
I have always had constant support from my family and friends. When I went off to college, I met new people who truly cared about me too even though they didn’t know me when I was sick. When I tell my friends my story, they seem to respond in a sad manner, but I can tell they truly care and that support is more than I could ask for.
I try to live one day at a time and constantly remind myself that the little issues I have, I can overcome those. I overcame a frightening, deadly illness when I was just a baby, so I feel like I can do anything. This is why I continue down a difficult and frustrating path to become a doctor, so I can save a beautiful little baby of someone else.
I attend Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and am majoring in neuroscience with a minor in biology. I am part of the Simpson Storm softball team. I have had outstanding professors and met some amazing people here. I met my best friends here too, I am so happy about this choice (of college). My parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are all still a major part of my life. They provide constant love and support for me. I graduate college this May 2020 while playing my senior season of softball. I plan to take a gap year, while gaining experience in the medical field, to prepare myself for medical school.
I am passionate about my education and my athletics. I started sports when I was young, and I have always enjoyed learning. I am proud to have been a Fort Dodge Dodger, and I absolutely love being a student-athlete here at Simpson College.
People need to be cautious of what they eat because you never know exactly how it was made/processed. I believe people should put themselves in positions to be safe, such as making sure a hamburger is cooked thoroughly. I don’t think anyone truly understands the physical, emotional, and mental toll it takes on not only your body, but your family’s well being too when contracting a foodborne illness.
We are all humans, so naturally we act and don’t always think of the consequences. I just want them to think about each and every meal they serve to be aware that their customer is someone’s loved one. Carelessness is not an option in the food industry because people don’t always think about it, but their trusting their lives when they choose your restaurant. A foodborne illness is one of the most frightening catastrophes, and the prevention of this needs to be the top priority of restaurant management.
My parents were able to afford it because we had good insurance. People that don’t will be in debt for life. There is a lot about the entire government economic system that needs to change.
People that are capable of working should get a job while others that are working hard to make ends meet should get government assistance. I wish there was a better way to help the people who only want the best for their families.
Bad things happen when you least expect them, but sometimes you can take something good from the bad. That is why I want to become a doctor. I had a terrible situation happen and because of that, I want to be able to help families going through the same situation. I want to be the one to save their little girl, just like mine did for me.
As the voice of people affected by foodborne illness, we collaborate with partners in academia, the food industry, and government to prevent foodborne illness. We advocate for effective food safety policy and facilitate culture change to increase food safety.
Stop Foodborne Illness is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.
