Sepsis touches every corner of life
When a disease moves quietly through a family, it often leaves an invisible trail of questions. Sepsis is one of those conditions that can strike anyone, at any time, regardless of age or health. A new documentary, Sepsis: A Story of Loss, Love and Survival, brings eight family-led accounts to the screen to remind viewers that sepsis does not discriminate.
Tracey’s story: resilience in the face of a rare illness
Tracey lived with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis and an autoimmune condition known as adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD). Her brother James recalls two hip surgeries and the relentless pull of recovery. In May 2020, what began as back pain grew alarming as a fever climbed, and the family sought help. The lack of awareness around sepsis at the start of their journey would haunt them in hindsight.
Tracey was admitted to Cork University Hospital and placed in the intensive care unit. Because access was restricted during those early stages of the pandemic, the family’s updates came through daily phone calls rather than in-person visits. James reflects on the isolation: “Tracey was alone, and who knows what might have happened, would she have rallied with visitors?” The four-week period in ICU was marked by hopeful moments that alternated with fear, leading to a heart-wrenching outcome when Tracey passed away on June 20. Her children—now teenagers—carried the weight of the loss, while James found a new calling in raising awareness through the Irish Sepsis Foundation.
From tragedy to advocacy: driving awareness in Ireland
James is now deputy chairman of the Cork-based Irish Sepsis Foundation and appears in the documentary to explain why awareness matters. Early recognition of sepsis signs can dramatically change outcomes, yet many people still confuse symptoms with ordinary illnesses. James’s message is simple: learn the signs, seek prompt care, and fight the fear that sepsis might not affect you.
The film pairs Tracey’s story with those of other families and with insights from medical professionals. The aim is clear: educate the public so sepsis can be identified and treated before it becomes life-threatening. The documentary also spotlights the broader toll on families, from the emotional strain of isolation to the long-term physical and psychological effects that survivors may face.
Survivor perspectives: Sepsis in the long run
Director Kim Wyse offers a parallel thread through her own brush with sepsis during pregnancy. Her experience—touched by Crohn’s disease and a life-threatening infection—drives home the urgency of recognizing warning signs. Wyse notes that her team benefited from timely testing, which helped prevent a worse outcome. Her perspective underscores the documentary’s goal: informing audiences about the signs, including fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and reduced urine output, all of which can herald sepsis.
Why this documentary matters now
The Irish context is telling. The latest HSE sepsis report shows thousands of cases annually, including hundreds of pregnancy-related and pediatric instances. The film’s eight stories illustrate the universal truth that sepsis can strike families across Ireland and beyond. Public understanding translates into faster care, shorter hospital stays, and better survival rates.
What viewers can do: learn, share, act
Sepsis awareness is a public health priority, and the documentary seeks to translate personal sorrow into practical action. The Foundation invites viewers to watch the premiere at the Odeon in Dublin on October 23, with free tickets available via Eventbrite. By sharing these stories, communities can reduce the time between symptom onset and treatment, potentially saving lives.
A lasting legacy
For Tracey’s family, the film is more than a tribute; it is a statement about prevention and preparedness. “Awareness is key,” James says. “Don’t wait until sepsis comes to your front door before educating yourselves.” The hope is that broadcasters pick up the eight stories, allowing more families to learn from them and to ensure Tracey—and others like her—are remembered as part of the fight against sepsis.
