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(WJBK) - Sepsis is the number one killer in hospitals, and even kills more children than pediatric cancer. Yet, more than 40 percent of Americans don't even know what it means.
Sepsis is the body's life-threatening response to infection, and it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Anyone can get it -- including Jay Towers's dad. He miraculously survived sepsis shock.
Jay's dad has spent more than two weeks in the ICU, and even was on a ventilator for five days fighting sepsis shock. Sepsis shock is when you experience a significant drop in blood pressure that can lead to a failure in your heart and other organs.
Jay is sharing his family's story to raise awareness and funds for Sepsis Alliance this Giving Tuesday. You can hear more from Jay in the video player above.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving. It's celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and the most popular shopping weekend of the year. It kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
Sepsis Alliance is the leading nonprofit organization in the United States, providing sepsis resources and education for health professionals, sepsis survivors and families of sepsis patients.
To learn more about sepsis and Sepsis Alliance, visit www.sepsis.org.