Jamie, 25, United States
As a sophomore in college, Jamie was rushed to the hospital with what she thought was an asthma attack but was, in fact, meningococcal septicemia. Jamie lost both legs below the knees and fingers on both hands, and underwent multiple skin grafts as a result of the disease.
Matteo, 9 months, Canada
Matteo was diagnosed with meningococcal disease when he was four months old. Remaining in the hospital for more than a month, multiple procedures were performed to minimize scarring from his fight.
Julio, 15, Brazil
Julio was 12 years old when he began experiencing flu-like symptoms, pain in his legs and dark spotting on his feet. After being admitted to intensive care, he was diagnosed with meningococcal disease and battled for his life in the days that followed. He suffered the loss of both legs and the fingers on one of his hands in order to survive.
Kate, 18, Canada
Five days after returning from being a counsellor at summer camp, Kate contracted meningococcal disease. She spent months recovering and was left with dark purple scars on her legs.
Benjamin, 15, Canada
Benjamin was four months old when he was diagnosed with meningococcal disease and had to fight for his life. He was left with significant brain damage and had both legs, right hand and several fingers amputated.