The Beryl Institute’s Global Patient and Family Advisory Board, USA

Rosie is a widow, mother, grandmother and educator. In August of 2009 she underwent a total right knee replacement that developed into a MRSA staph infection. This healthcare-acquired infection has led to 58 surgeries, over 200 hospitalizations, 100 blood transfusions, a right leg amputation six inches above the knee, then two years later a total hip amputation with the removal of part of her pelvic bone during another surgery. She also experienced sepsis and septic shock fourteen times.

As Rosie continues to battle this infection in her body, she is driven to share her story of survival. Every day she uses the story of her journey to advise or advocate for others. Rosie believes in helping patients and caregivers find their voices. As an educator, she used stories to teach children and adults. Today, she uses her story to co-design with medical professionals and researchers and to advise and advocate for patients and their caregivers.