Extraordinary Sunshine Weaver

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I Almost Died at Age 6 going on 7

Published by

Meelosmom

on

My 5th birthday at my paternal grandparents’ home I 1956.
I didn’t know that I would be fighting for my life 2 years later, when I was 6 going on 7.


To commemorate International Encephalitis Day, which is on February 22, I have written an article about my case of Measles Encephalitis, which nearly killed me the summer of 1958. This article includes my personal experience along with information on both measles and encephalitis (brain swelling). I also advocate for getting the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine. The article includes graphics, data, and links to helpful resources.

Measles Encephalitis paralyzed me, made it impossible for me to speak, put me into a coma, and nearly killed me. Read about my miraculous recovery, including teaching myself how to walk again at age 7.

This article was published by Modern Women on Medium, and Bin Jiang added it to a recommended reading list, which he published. He also invited me to write for his publication.

View at Medium.com

10 responses to “I Almost Died at Age 6 going on 7”

  1. robbiesinspiration Avatar
    robbiesinspiration

    Hi Barbara, I read your poems about this. They were very touching. Going over to read the article.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Meelosmom Avatar
      Meelosmom

      Thank you, Robbie!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
    Liz Gauffreau

    I just read your article. I hope parents of young children heed your warning.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Meelosmom Avatar
      Meelosmom

      Thank you, Liz! We currently have new outbreaks of measles. I worry about it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Liz Gauffreau Avatar
        Liz Gauffreau

        You’re welcome, Barbara! I’ve been following reports of outbreaks. Completely preventable. 😦

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Meelosmom Avatar
        Meelosmom

        Yes, very easy to contain.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Dawn Pisturino Avatar
    Dawn Pisturino

    I’m so glad you survived!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Meelosmom Avatar
      Meelosmom

      Thank you! It was a blessing, a rare event unfortunately, as few children do.

      Like

      Reply
  4. johnlmalone Avatar
    johnlmalone

    what an extraordinary story;I had measles too when I was a kid but it never developed into anything serious; polio was more of a problem; one boy in our street spent years in an iron lung; I used to drop by and see him; and at school we all studied Alan Marshall’s classic ‘I Can Jump Puddles’ about his travails with polio —

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Meelosmom Avatar
      Meelosmom

      I recall when the polio vaccine came out. My parents made sure we all got c
      vaccinated for everything after what I went through. I feel very fortunate.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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