Sepsis: A Story That Hits Home
A new documentary, Sepsis: A Story of Loss, Love and Survival, brings a human face to the serious condition that can affect anyone, at any time. Through personal narratives from families touched by sepsis, the film underscored a stark message: awareness and early recognition can change outcomes. The project weaves together stories from Cork to Dublin, illuminating how sepsis intersects with other illnesses, pregnancy, and the daily realities of ICU care.
Tracey’s Battle: A Hidden Danger Behind Chronic Illness
Tracey, a mother living with a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis and an autoimmune condition known as adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), became the focal point for the documentary’s emotional core. Her brother James recalls how Tracey powered through two hip operations, only to confront a sudden decline over a painful weekend in May 2020. What began as abdominal pain and fever escalated quickly, leading to an ambulance call and an ICU admission at Cork University Hospital (CUH).
James remembers the isolation of the ICU: families could not visit, and daily updates came by phone. Tracey died on June 20 after weeks of fragile progress. Her story is a poignant reminder that sepsis can strike anyone, even those already battling serious chronic conditions. As the film shows, awareness—especially recognizing the signs early—could alter outcomes for many families.
From Sepsis to Survival: The Call for Knowledge
James, now a deputy chairman of the Cork-based Irish Sepsis Foundation, emphasizes prevention through education. “Awareness is key. Don’t wait until sepsis comes to your first door before educating yourselves,” he says. The documentary frames his message within a broader context: if signs are understood early, treatment can begin sooner, potentially saving lives in households across the country.
The film also includes the perspective of documentary director Kim Wyse, who survived sepsis during a high-risk pregnancy. Her experience—nerve-wracking and deeply personal—adds a crucial dimension to the narrative, illustrating how sepsis can affect families in multiple generations and how long-term consequences can ripple through children and spouses for years after recovery.
Lessons for the Public and the Health System
The project arrives at a moment when national data underscore the ongoing impact of sepsis in Ireland. The latest HSE report tallies more than 15,700 cases in 2023, with thousands of children and pregnancy-related encounters. These numbers reinforce the documentary’s central premise: sepsis is not rare or exclusive to one group. It can strike anyone—often with subtle initial symptoms that rapidly worsen.
Audience members are invited to engage beyond the cinema. The Irish Sepsis Foundation is offering free tickets to the premiere, and organizers hope the film will be broadcast on national stations to broaden its reach. The ultimate aim is to equip families with knowledge of warning signs such as sudden fever, rapid breathing, confusion, and a marked decline in function, all of which require urgent medical attention.
A Legacy of Hope: Why These Stories Matter
For Tracey’s children, Sophie and William, the documentary is more than a record of illness; it is a legacy. James views the project as a way to preserve her memory while guiding others away from similar heartbreak. As the foundation notes, the stories are a reminder that sepsis can happen anywhere, at any time—and early action can mean the difference between life and death.
Event Details
The film premieres on October 23 at the Odeon Cinema in Point Square, Dublin. Free tickets are available through the Irish Sepsis Foundation on Eventbrite, inviting the public to engage with eight personal narratives that humanize a medical emergency that many still misunderstand.
Why This Documentary Belongs in Public Discourse
Sepsis is a global health priority, with significant emotional and financial costs for families. By centering real experiences—both devastating and hopeful—the documentary invites viewers to learn, share, and act. In a country where thousands of children and adults are treated for sepsis each year, knowledge is not just protection; it is a lifeline.
