A baby girl who fought a life and death battle with meningitis is back home in Shrewsbury in time for her first birthday.Zoe Lee was struck down with meningococcal septicaemia, the blood poisoning form of the disease, and every parent’s worst nightmare.
She is making good progress but could still lose finger tips. There has also been some damage to blood vessels and nerves in her right leg.
It was on January 7 that Zoe developed a very high temperature and was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital A&E department.
While there a rash appeared on her body and a blood test confirmed that she had meningococcal septicaemia.
Zoe’s parents, Adam Lee, 25, and Julia Morgan, 23, of Copthorne Road, feared that she had only hours to live.
The following day she was transferred to the intensive care unit at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital at Liverpool and put on a life support machine.
“We thought we were going to lose her,” said Adam.
But despite suffering various setbacks, and against all the odds, Zoe survived.
Grandmother Linda Lee said every parent should have a digital thermometer in the home. This had shown, when Zoe became hot, that her temperature was running at an alarming 39.9C.
“Without the reading she might have just been put to bed and died,” said Mrs Lee. “Instead she was taken straight away to hospital.”
The family is now looking forward to celebrating Zoe’s birthday on March 30.
And they are also raising money for Ronald McDonald House, the accommodation within the Alder Hey grounds. Adam and Julia were able to stay there at night during the nine weeks Zoe was in hospital.
One of the first fundraising efforts was this week at Aqueduct Primary School, Telford, where Zoe’s cousin Charlie Bueno is a pupil. He came up with the idea of a non-uniform and mad hair day.
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2 Comments
I’m delighted to hear that Zoe Lee is back home for Easter after suffering life-threatening meningococcal septicaemia - the blood poisoning form of meningitis. I’d like to praise the quick actions of her parents and grandmother Linda Lee in seeking medical attention at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, and on behalf of Meningitis Research Foundation, wish Zoe and her family all the best for the future.
Meningitis and septicaemia are devastating diseases which can kill in hours. Meningitis Research Foundation’s FREEfone 24 hour helpline - 080 8800 3344 - is available 365 days a year providing support and information for anyone with concerns about the diseases.
With kindest regards
Neil Hardman
Communications Officer
Meningitis Research Foundation
The Meningitis Trust is delighted to read that Zoë Lee has made a wonderful recovery from Meningococcal Septicaemia, you are correct in your report to say this is the disease that parents most fear. The Meningitis Trust also appreciates that although Zoë is now safely home that her parents, Adam and Julia will be possibly be experiencing an emotional and very surreal time of what if’s and a sense of feeling lucky and fearful all at the same time, which could also be true for their family and friends feelings.
The Meningitis Trust can support families, friends and communities in a number of ways with a wide range of support on offer, these services include a 24-hour Helpline, Home Visiting, Counselling, a Financial Grant Scheme, One to One Contact and ongoing support as required.
If any of your readers would like free information available of the signs and symptoms of the disease, after effects, factual literature and awareness presentations including talks provided by the Community Development Officer to local organisations and to the community. Please do not hesitate to contact the Meningitis Trust or log onto http://www.meningitis-trust.org
Warm Regards
Toni
Toni Collier
Community Development Manager