Contact: Alice Warchol
(757) 668-9049
Alice.Warchol@CHKD.org
Professional golfer Marc Leishman and author Audrey Leishman visit CHKD to support patients, families, and pediatric sepsis prevention.
NORFOLK, Va. – Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters welcomed Audrey Leishman and her husband, professional golfer Marc Leishman, of the Begin Again Foundation on Tuesday, Sept. 1, for a special visit with patients and families in recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month and to spotlight their new multiyear commitment to CHKD’s Quality and Safety initiatives.
Eleven years ago, Audrey survived sepsis, the body’s extreme response to an infection. Without fast treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Since Audrey’s recovery, the Leishmans have used the Begin Again Foundation to support sepsis survivors and raise awareness about the condition.
During the visit, Audrey read her new sepsis-themed children’s book, "Katie Koala’s Biggest Fight," in the hospital playroom, while Marc offered putting lessons for patients. The visit also highlighted the Leishmans’ commitment of $250,000 to support CHKD’s work to improve pediatric quality and safety through sepsis awareness, prevention, and education.
“In 2015, I almost didn’t survive my battle with sepsis,” Audrey Leishman said. “Since then, Marc and I have felt a deep responsibility to help other families avoid what our family went through. "Katie Koala’s Biggest Fight" grew from that same mission. I wanted to give children and parents a gentle way to learn about sepsis, recognize the warning signs, and understand why getting help quickly matters.”
The Leishman’s gift will help CHKD strengthen its efforts to recognize and respond to pediatric sepsis, which can be especially dangerous for children because symptoms can be subtle and progress quickly. Support from the Leishmans will advance tools such as CHKD’s Children at High Risk Alert Tool, which helps clinicians identify patients who may be at risk for sepsis up to 48 hours before severe symptoms develop. The funding will also support education and prevention efforts aimed at helping more families and clinicians recognize sepsis early and keep children safe.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Leishmans for supporting our efforts to detect and prevent sepsis,” said Dr. John Harrington, CHKD’s Vice President of Quality and Safety and Medical Director of CHKD Medical Group. “Audrey’s mission is inspiring. She’s making a real impact in the fight against sepsis.”
Since 2016, the Begin Again Foundation has helped support more than 9,045 CHKD families and contributed more than $500,000 through the Begin Again Foundation Financial Fund, which helps families with urgent needs such as rent, transportation, meals, medical equipment and medications.
“We are so proud to expand our partnership with CHKD,” Audrey Leishman said. “Whether through sharing Katie’s story, supporting families during their hardest days, or investing in prevention and education, our hope is simple: that more people know the signs, more children get help sooner, and more lives are saved.”
Professional golfer Marc Leishman gives golfing tips to CHKD patients.
Audrey Leishman, a sepsis survivor and the founder of the Begin Again Foundation, hands out copies of her book "Katie Koala’s Biggest Fight" to children in CHKD's playroom on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
Members of CHKD's leadership team visited the playroom during Audrey and Marc Leishman's visit. Shown left to right are Dr. John Harrington, CHKD's Vice President of Quality and Safety; CHKD President and CEO Amy Sampson; Audrey and Marc Leishman; Dr. Christopher Foley, Senior Vice President and Kay Abiouness Distinguished Chief of Clinical Operations; and Bryant Thomas, Vice President, Advancement.