January Beneficiary: National Meningitis Association

disease

Erin Ortiz, daughter of Weil’s Raymond Ortiz, was just 18 years old when she succumbed to a type of meningitis not covered by the typical meningitis vaccine.  Ten years ago, Erin came home from her freshman year at Bentley College for Columbus Day weekend. She thought she was suffering from a cold. But within 72 hours she passed away due to an infection of bacterial meningitis, despite being vaccinated for the disease.

Weil Gives for the month of January will support The National Meningitis Association, founded by parents whose children have died or live with permanent disabilities from meningococcal disease, which typically strikes individuals 16 – 21 years old. The NMA provided critical support and information to Ray and his family in the aftermath of their tragedy. The organization’s mission is to educate families, medical professionals and others about meningococcal disease and its prevention.

Thank you!
This project ended 02/10/2018 and raised a total of $2,215
Donors
  • Joan Anne-Marie Lewis

  • Catherine Patinella

  • Jonathan Bloom

  • Karen Demorcy

    Erin Ortiz

  • Natasha Boutin $25

  • Sandra Pena

    In memory of Erin Ortiz

  • Meher Rana

  • Megan Briskman $50

  • Lisa Cuevas

  • Susan Shores $50

    Erin Ortiz

  • Joan Harvey $10

  • Alix Ruggiero

    In memory of Erin

  • Sami Hussey

    In memory of Erin

  • Corey Brady $50

  • Wendy Kwan

    In memory of Eric Ortiz

  • Odalys Smith $50

  • Allison Wallace

    For Erin

  • Audrey Gursky $50

    In Memory of Erin

  • Erica Busch

  • Anonymous $25

  • Kandice Thorn

  • Christine Shrestha $25

    Erin M. Ortiz

  • Raymond $50

    Erin Marie Ortiz

  • Vawens Exil $30.00

  • Anonymous $20

  • Anonymous $50

  • Anonymous $25

  • Anonymous $25

  • Anonymous $25

  • Anonymous $25

  • Anonymous $25

  • Anonymous $25

  • Glen Forster

  • Joan Ashland

    In Memory of Erin.

  • Chris Gillis $50

  • Kim Blanchard $25

  • Chris Kim $25

  • Hedieh Fakhriyazdi

    In loving memory of Erin

  • Meredith Moore

    Ortiz Family

  • National Meningitis Association

    NMA began in 2002 as a handful of parents whose families experienced the devastating impact of meningococcal disease. It was only after our experiences that we learned the disease is vaccine-preventable. Over the years, this small group grew into a national organization that advocates for meningococcal disease awareness and prevention.

    When NMA was founded, there was little public knowledge about meningococcal disease. Also, at that time, vaccination was not recommended, and an organized support structure for affected families did not exist.

    Much has changed since NMA was founded:

    • Vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for all preteens and teens as well as those of other ages with risk factors for the disease.
    • Many states now require vaccination for adolescents; others require that families and college students be educated about prevention.
    • Vaccination rates have climbed steadily in recent years while disease incidence has declined.
    • Vaccines are now available and permissively recommended for teens and young adults to protect against serogroup B disease

    NMA is proud to have played a role in increasing meningococcal disease awareness and vaccination rates.

  • Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP

    Weil Gives encourages employees across Weil’s office’s in the United States to contribute to charitable organizations over the course of the year.

    The minimum donation for wearing jeans each Friday of the month is $25. If you do not plan to wear jeans, you may still make a donation to the organization in any amount. To donate via check, please make checks out to “The American Heart Association” and send to Crystal King (Rm: 2329-S1). Cash donations will not be accepted.