Dear KU Faculty, Staff and Students:
We are encouraging students this year to obtain the vaccine that protects against some - not all - of the strains of meningitis. The vaccine, menomune,
is available through Student Health Services at Watkins Memorial Health Center on the Lawrence Campus.
Meningitis is a rare but deadly illness, and college students living in
group housing have an increased risk of contracting the disease.
We have encouraged vaccinations because this past spring we all witnessed
the terrible impact of meningitis. A student living in a scholarship hall,
Andy Marso, a graduating senior, contracted the disease and very nearly lost
his life.
I spoke about Andy's illness at KU's Opening Convocation on August 18th,
because his case illustrated how important it is for students to care about
each other, and to help each other when injury or illness occurs. Andy's
roommate, Clay Britton, recognized that he was in trouble and helped him
seek treatment. Fortunately, he took him to the Watkins Health Center,
where he got care that helped save his life. Within minutes of Andy's
coming through the front door, Dr. Leah Luckeroth and the Watkins staff
evaluated him, made a preliminary diagnosis, started two IV's and began
treatment.
They also called Lawrence Memorial Hospital for transport, set up a CAT
scan, and contacted Dr. Penn, the infectious disease expert at LMH, so that
he was able to quickly do his own evaluation and transfer Andy by helicopter
to KU's Medical Center in Kansas City. Once there, KU's doctors and nurses
gave him immediate and excellent care.
Andy's life was saved, and although he still faces a long recovery, and has
lost some fingers and toes to the illness, the prognosis looks good.
There are many heroes in Andy's story, first and foremost, Andy himself. He
has maintained a strong spirit throughout the ordeal, and his family and
friends have provided a support mechanism that is truly admirable. His
advisor, Malcolm Gibson, has demonstrated how much KU faculty care about
students. The Watkins staff, led by Carol Seager and Dr. Myra Strothers,
were superb. KU's reputation for caring was vividly on display. I had the
opportunity to thank everyone when we presented Andy with his diploma at the
KU hospital in June.
The Watkins Health Center staff have continued their efforts to inform and
educate about the disease. They spent the days immediately following Andy's
hospitalization making sure all his contacts were interviewed and treated.
They also dealt with many students and parents to educate and reassure them,
both in the immediate aftermath and during the summer. The vaccination
effort goes well. You can get more information on the Watkins web site
or by calling 864-9507 to make an appointment to be vaccinated.
I want to thank again all of those at KU who helped Andy, and all of those
who have helped students in similar situations in the past. It is inspiring
to observe the KU community caring for its own.
Sincerely,
Bob Hemenway
Chancellor
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