The loss of a child is already a parent’s worst nightmare, but the loss of a child in an unexpected and swift manner, is the most fear inducing experience for any mother or father. It can render any parent helpless, knowing that you cannot stop the disease surging through your little one’s body. This was exactly the experience of Deirdre, when her daughter Chelsea was diagnosed with Meningitis, eventually succumbing to the diseases’ grasp 12 hours after said diagnosis.
 
In realising that meningitis’ deadliness and power lie in its invisibility - Deirdre made the conscious decision to bring this dreaded disease into the light; giving future parents the tools to protect their children from a fate like Chelsea’s, and this was the beginning of the Meningitis Association of South Africa.
 
The aim is for parents in South Africa to join hands, to make a difference in fighting this disease that can kill within hours.