UPDATE: Jackie Duda, a sepsis survivor, reflects on the profound significance of the upcoming holiday season after a harrowing brush with death. Just in time for Christmas, Duda, who survived septic shock in May 2021, shares her journey of resilience and hope.
As the 2023 holiday season approaches, Duda’s story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life. After enduring a life-threatening colon perforation due to undiagnosed diverticulitis, Duda faced major surgery and a long recovery. Now, she celebrates her survival and the precious moments with her family.
On December 8, 2021, Duda underwent a complex surgery for a colostomy reversal, which she initially feared would be her last. “I wanted to make it to my daughter Alexis’s 21st birthday on December 5,” she shared. “I was terrified I wouldn’t survive to see the holidays.” Her family rallied around her, ensuring that they would handle the festivities, while she faced her own insecurities.
Through the challenges of physical therapy and emotional toll of PTSD, Duda has remained an advocate for sepsis awareness. As a member of the Sepsis Alliance Advisory Board, she moderates the online support group “Invisible Disabilities after Sepsis” and has penned several articles on her experiences, including her first published piece in the Washington Post in September 2023.
In her journey, Duda faced not only the physical impact of sepsis but also the emotional scars it left behind. “I was consumed by fear, terrified of routine medical procedures,” she said. Yet, with the support of her family and the community, she began to reclaim her life. Her husband Joe and children, Alexis, Elise, and Joey, stood by her side, helping to decorate the Christmas tree and sharing moments that reminded her of the joys of the season.
As Duda reflects on her journey, she expresses gratitude for each moment spent with her family. “It’s surreal to be here, to feel alive during the holiday season,” she stated. The emotional weight of the past has transformed into a celebration of life, as she plans to share her experiences through her podcast, “The 1:20 Pod,” and her upcoming memoir.
Jackie Duda is a beacon of hope for many, proving that even through the darkest moments, the light of family and love can shine through. This year, her Christmas wish is simple: to continue celebrating life with her loved ones.
This incredible journey emphasizes the importance of awareness around sepsis and the impact it has on survivors and their families. As Duda continues her advocacy, she urges others to recognize the signs of sepsis and to support those on their own recovery paths.
For more updates on Jackie Duda’s journey and advocacy efforts, follow her on Instagram @jackiesjourney4.
