William: A Life Stolen By Igas

This is an autobiography about a much loved 4 year boy who's life was tragically cut short by iGAS (Invasive Group A Streptococcus) which led to Sepsis. I am his mother and my goal is to raise awareness of this bacteria in the hope of giving another family a chance, something we didn't have, he was diagnosed with Mild Croup and within 12 hours of seeing that GP; he died. There was no warning, no chance to save his life because it happened in the middle of the night while we slept. I cannot express the horror in waking up and finding your child dead, I have been diagnosed with PTSD and I have to take sedative's every night because that night haunts me and I cannot forgive myself for falling asleep. I feel like it's my fault because as his mother it was my job to protect him but I couldn't protect him for this and I feel like I failed. He was my only child and I will not have another child for fear I will fail again; I don't think I could survive it. Loved ones have told me it won't happen again but they are no guarantee's in this life and I just can't risk it. I participate in charity events every year now to raise money for the UK Sepsis Trust in an attempt to make it as public as cancer, half of the proceeds from any book sales will go to the charity so they can continue their vital work. I'm not looking for fame or fortune, I'm just trying to spare another family the agony of losing a loved one to this illness that is very treatable if found early, no parent should bury their child.

Author: Katie Elizabeth Westlake

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Publication Date: Jan 22, 2017

Number of Pages: 58 pages

Language: English

Binding: Paperback

ISBN-10: 1541387724

ISBN-13: 9781541387720