I am living by the motto "If I cannot save my child, I will save all the other children". I am doing everything in my power to advocate and share our story in order to prevent others from going through my current nightmare. This is our story that I am sharing everywhere to help others.
We are an American family stationed in Germany currently. At first, I thought my story would only impact military families stationed abroad but we have learned our story could have happened anywhere. Different things play a huge role in our story, and it needs to be shared.
During Christmas of 2024, my family experienced the terrible stomach flu. My daughter, husband, and I recovered with no problems but unfortunately, that was not the case for my two-year-old son (born December 22nd, 2022). Two days after he recovered from the stomach flu, he developed a fever that lasted nine days before he went into a coma. In those nine days, we took our son to an emergency room three times - two different ones in Germany and one on vacation in Spain. We also had an appointment with his paediatric doctor. Unfortunately, my son was nonverbal and due to having the stomach flu, doctors continued to tell us that he just needed time to recover and the symptoms were overlooked.
On December 31st, we ended up rushing to the emergency room because my son was not responding and having seizures. Within an hour, we were told my son developed streptococcus pneumoniae that turned into bacterial meningitis. Bacteria was growing on his heart and in his brain. After one week of fighting for his life in a coma on a ventilator in the ICU (intensive care unit), my son's brain fully swelled and we were told he was brain dead. We were told to prepare to say goodbye.
There are a few things from our story I want people to be aware of. My son was a healthy two-year-old that was fully vaccinated to the American standards. My son's story is changing medical procedures on the bases over in Germany but what he got sick with could happen anywhere. People need to be aware even if his case is extremely rare. Education is key and that's what I am doing.
1) Meningitis symptoms can be overlooked but the first 24-48 hours is crucial for survival. Unfortunately, a spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture, is the most effective way of getting a diagnosis. My son had symptoms such as fever, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, he threw up on two different days, he stopped walking, and grabbed his neck on the final day. Headaches, rashes, and sensitivity to light can also be present. I went back to the doctor numerous times because I knew our son was sick and something was wrong. Advocate for yourself and your children to get answers and not be sent home.
2) For people traveling or living overseas, research the vaccination guidelines for the country you are going to. The military never mentioned that vaccinations are different and my son could have had some protection against meningitis if we were given German childhood vaccinations as well. Military follows the USA CDC regulations but we believe they should still inform families of the differences.
3) Meningitis vaccinations, including pneumococcal, are very important vaccines that I want people to be aware of and to talk to their doctors about. Everyone should ensure they and their family are up-to-date with their vaccines and have had everything on the schedule. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider, to make sure you’ve all had the most up-to-date vaccine protection you can. Losing my son is a truly horrible thing, but I want more children to get all the vaccines they can, to prevent this from happening.
Caleb Anders only lived a short two years with us, but he will live on. Four of Caleb's organs were donated to help three children and one adult over in Europe. Many children from all over America and stationed overseas within the military are getting updated vaccinations because they have heard our story. Our story is getting people thinking and opening conversations with their doctors.
Feel free to read more of our story on the Facebook page Caleb's Brave Journey. I am very open about our story. Losing Caleb is devastating for me, but I WILL make a difference and help others.
Thank you for reading our story.
- Caleb's mom, Jordan Anders