ACT For Meningitis — Hurling Match for Jean
Want to join us in making a difference? We’re raising money for Act For Meningitis and every donation will help, no matter how big or small. Many thanks in advance for your contribution.
Charity Hurling Match for Jean — Kill GAA, New Year’s Day 2023 @ 10:00
This charity hurling match has been set up to honour the late Jean O’Loughlin. Jean passed away suddenly from Bacterial Meningitis on 30th September 2022 aged just 18. Specifically, Meningococcal group B disease (often known as Meningitis B or MenB) the most common and deadly strain of Bacterial Meningitis in Ireland.
Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Jean knew how much radiance and positivity she brought to this world. She impacted so many people in so many different ways in her short time on this earth. We hope by telling her story, she will continue to do so for many more years.
Jean's illness was extremely sudden. She experienced flu-like symptoms 3 days prior to her passing. We hope by educating ourselves and others, we can create awareness around the signs and symptoms of meningitis and prevent others being taken before their time.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and the brain, which protects the brain from injury and infection. Bacterial meningitis can be very severe, leading to fatality in some cases, and in others cause serious complications such as brain damage, loss of limbs, hearing loss, or learning disabilities for those who survive.
Analysis carried out by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) across all 30 European countries, shows that those aged 15 to 24 are the second highest risk group for Meningitis. This may be because our social life expands during these years and we are in more close contact environments.
Up to 1 in 10 cases of MenB can be fatal, frequently within 24-48 hours after the first signs of infection.
Approximately 1 in 3 people who survive Meningitis B will unfortunately suffer life-long physical and mental disabilities.
Signs & symptoms of meningitis to look out for:
Meningitis and septicaemia often happen together. If anybody you know has any of these signs or symptoms get urgent medical help.
Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis include:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Muscle pain
Stomach cramps
Fever with cold hands and feet
Common signs & symptoms of meningitis & septicaemia:
Fever with cold hands and feet
Vomiting
Drowsy or difficult to wake
Confusion and irritability
Severe muscle pain
Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash
Severe headache
Stiff neck
Dislike bright lights
Convulsions or seizures
Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very fast. Do not wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts. Call 112 or 999 for emergency services.
Vaccination:
Many people don’t know that Meningitis B is preventable by vaccination. The MenB vaccine has been shown to be very effective and safe, providing 88% protection against MenB bacteria.
In Ireland, everyone born after October 1st 2016 receives the MenB vaccine as part of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule introduced in October 2016.
Sadly, no catch-up program was introduced meaning there are gaps in the vaccination program. If you were born before October 2016 and have not recieved a Meningitis B vaccine through your GP, you are at risk. If you you fall into this age group or know someone else who does, we strongly suggest getting the MenB vaccine. To find out how, contact your GP, Public Health Nurse or local health office.
Click the link below to find out more about Meningitis B, the signs and symptoms and further information about immunisation.
We hope by creating this GoFundMe to honour Jean, her story will continue to help people as much as she did as when she was here with us.
Thank you for taking the time to read Jean’s story and please donate as generously as you can.
Organizer
Zoe Mackey
Organizer
County Waterford
Act For Meningitis Limited
Beneficiary