After their 4-year-old son Jaxon Knowles tragically passed away from a rare and severe form of meningitis, his parents, Sammy and John Knowles from England, are turning their grief into action by raising awareness and funding for research. Jaxon was their “miracle baby” after a long seven-year struggle with infertility, including three miscarriages and five rounds of IVF.
Following a family trip to Blackpool, Jaxon began complaining of stomach pain and discomfort under his arm. His parents weren’t immediately worried, as he had a history of chest infections. They gave him medicine to reduce his fever, but overnight his condition worsened. Sammy discovered a rash, swelling, and burst veins, signs that something was seriously wrong.
Paramedics rushed him to Rotherham Hospital, where doctors fought to save his life. Despite their efforts, Jaxon died early the next day. Jaxon had contracted meningococcal disease, a dangerous bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord, with a high fatality rate.
The Knowles family established the Jaxon Knowles Forever Fund to support Meningitis Now, raising over £13,000 to help fund research and prevention. Sammy said, “Jaxon could not have been saved by any vaccine, but maybe that will change with more funding.”
The family hopes that by sharing their story, they can prevent other families from experiencing such heartbreak and save even one life.
