In the late winter of 1960, a devastating event unfolded in the life of my family. My sister, a vibrant and healthy fourth grader living in Rockland County, New York, contracted measles from a classmate. At that time, there were nearly 1,000 uncomplicated measles cases reported each year in the United States, and tragically, my sister became one of the few who would suffer severe consequences. On March 1, she was diagnosed with measles encephalitis, a rare and dangerous complication that left her with a lifelong disability.
Though I was only six years old, the weight of her illness was palpable. The very mention of measles still evokes a profound sense of loss within me, particularly as we face ongoing debates about herd immunity and the rise of vaccine skepticism. After being swiftly admitted to the hospital, my sister fell into a coma, and the prognosis was disheartening. One insensitive doctor suggested my mother “pretend she was hit by a car,” but my mother remained steadfast, never leaving my sister’s side.
Meanwhile, I was shuttled between neighbors, my father attempting to juggle work and the mounting medical expenses while our once-lively home became a shell of its former self. After five long weeks, my sister emerged from her coma. Hospital regulations prevented me from seeing her, but my parents managed to position her at a window where I could catch a glimpse of her smiling and waving. That moment filled me with hope, despite the looming challenges ahead.
As time passed, my sister returned home, but the person I once knew was altered. Encephalitis had changed her behavior and cognitive abilities, leading to struggles in school and conflicts at home. Support from teachers was minimal, and my sister became a complex medical case during a time when understanding of such conditions was limited.
One fateful day, she “fell” while walking home from school, which was later revealed to be a grand mal seizure—the first of many. The ongoing effects of measles encephalitis became increasingly evident, manifesting as cognitive challenges and social difficulties that only worsened during her preteen and teenage years. She faced bullying, and despite numerous treatments, the damage inflicted by the disease was irreversible.
My sister’s life has been marked by a series of hospital visits, including uncomfortable EEG tests meant to monitor her brain activity. She often expressed her feelings of incompleteness, questioning if parts of her brain were missing. Her resilience was admirable, but the reality was that measles encephalitis had left her permanently affected.
Throughout her life, she has oscillated in and out of my family’s lives, displaying a fierce determination yet lacking the strategies to channel her strength effectively. She has struggled with accepting help, often denying her condition and refusing support from adult protective services. This denial is rooted in a profound irony; despite being eligible for assistance, she insists, “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Every day, I ponder the different paths our lives could have taken had the measles vaccine been available during my sister’s childhood. Would our relationship have mirrored the strong bond I witness between my daughters? The illness robbed us of many precious moments, leaving behind an empty space where sisterly laughter and shared secrets once thrived.
Today, I am deeply concerned about her well-being, as she continues to face challenges related to her condition, including frequent falls. My parents struggled with her care; my mother sought knowledge in psychology, only to pass away without the answers she sought. Meanwhile, my father, now memory-impaired, has outlived his financial resources and the emotional toll of my sister’s situation.
As I reflect on my sister’s journey, I feel a compelling need to speak out. I share this story to educate young parents and healthcare professionals about the importance of vaccinations. The devastating consequences of measles and its complications must not be overlooked. Addressing vaccination as a societal issue is essential—not only for our families but for the health of our communities.
For more information on the importance of vaccinations and to understand the broader implications of vaccine-preventable diseases, be sure to check out this informative blog post.
In conclusion, the impact of measles on my sister’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role vaccinations play in public health. We must continue advocating for the well-being of our children and future generations.