Losing a loved one is heartbreaking - especially when it’s the unexpected death of a child. In today’s episode, Brooke Desantis shares her story of losing her young son tragically due to complications from the flu. By courageously telling her and her family’s story, she began to inspire and educate others regarding influenza and sepsis. The Love for Lochlin Foundation Inc. is a community foundation that Brooke began in her son’s honor. Since starting the foundation 3 years ago, she and her team have been able to give away almost 3000 vaccines in over 200 clinics.

Brooke wants people to understand the severity of sepsis, and why vaccines should be readily available for everyone. She is passionate about being the voice for those who need vaccines and infectious disease support. Transparency and communication with people are key, because so many people don’t know about the resources that are available to them. Nonprofits are a great way to really provide for and serve people, no matter their situation. ‘No’ is not an option for Brooke and the work she is doing, and she will continue fighting for what she believes in.

About Brooke Desantis:

Brooke DeSantis is the founder of The Love for Lochlin Foundation, bringing awareness to sepsis. Her mission with this foundation is to prevent, educate, and drive awareness to the deadly impacts of infectious diseases like influenza (the flu) and COVID-19. 

Through this foundation, she has been able to organize free vaccine clinics for the community. Brooke is also a member of the Leadership Frederick County class of 2023. She is someone who truly embraces the ‘no is not an option’ mindset, and follows through on her passion.

Connect with Brooke:

www.loveforlochlin.com

Episode Timestamps:

• Brooke’s story of starting and now leading a community foundation {1:22}
• The issue with flu vaccine shortages and people not being able to receive them {6:57}
• Brooke’s goals for the Love for Lochlin Foundation {9:19}
• Brooke’s ‘no is not an option’ mindset, and how she helps others she is working with embrace this mindset {10:28}
• How Brooke stays motivated and continues fighting for what she believes in {16:59}
• Winning an Emmy in their son’s name {19:34}
• What types of symptoms to look for with sepsis {20:51}
• How people can get involved/support their community more regarding sepsis education {24:03}

“​​As a nonprofit, it's not us. It's not about serving me, and not about serving that other organization. We’re out to serve the people, not ourselves, and that’s what I try to remind everybody, every day. One of the most frustrating things as a nurse is you have patients that are coming in the door. You treat them, regardless of anything, and give them the best care possible. Then, they're coming right back in, but they're not getting the resources that they could utilize. When working together like this, it’s almost like a family, and that’s serving as a nonprofit.”

Connect with Rachel Harrison:

https://traumaspecialistsofmd.com/

https://www.frederickchamber.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trauma_specialist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064008974101&mibextid=LQQJ4d

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796/