01/20/2026
Gen spent months feeling unwell, with constant aches, fever, and confusion. She was repeatedly told that it was just a virus. When her symptoms worsened and she could barely stay awake, her partner called for help, leading to a hospital visit. There, tests revealed dangerously high inflammation levels, and she was admitted and treated with IV antibiotics.
Hallucinations and fear marked her early hospital stay as she struggled to understand what was wrong. Eventually, she discovered her diagnosis: , possibly linked to recent dental work. After four days in the hospital and follow-up care, her infection cleared. The experience left her vigilant about her health and grateful to have survived something she later learned could have been fatal. She now shares her story to raise awareness and help others recognize the signs of sepsis sooner.
Read Gen's story: sepsis.org/faces/gen-derrick/