one year old baby Oliver Bonds sits on blue blanket and looks at the camera

One-year-old Oliver Bonds was treated for septic shock at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital

What was supposed to be a joyful celebration for one-year-old Oliver Bonds' birthday turned into a terrifying health crisis for his parents, who were visiting family in Redlands, California. Just hours after arriving from their home in Montana, "Ollie", who had been battling cold-like symptoms, suddenly fell gravely ill. His parents, trusting it was a mild sickness, were unprepared for what would follow.

"We went to In-N-Out, but afterward, Ollie threw up everything and spiked a fever," said Anna Bonds Ollie was seen at an urgent care facility, where doctors gave him medication to control his nausea. They were sent home, but Ollie's condition quickly deteriorated overnight. By morning, he was pale, lethargic, and unresponsive.

The family rushed to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, where he was immediately admitted. "By the time we arrived at the hospital, Ollie was in respiratory failure. His oxygen levels were critical, and his lips were turning blue," Bonds said. The diagnosis: septic shock triggered by Haemophilus influenzae, a bacterial infection that had entered his bloodstream.

"Septic shock is one of the most serious conditions we treat in the Intensive Care Unit," said Michael Avesar, MD, pediatric critical care physician at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital. "It's life-threatening, and without fast, aggressive care, the outcome can be fatal."

More than 75,000 children are diagnosed with sepsis in the U.S. each year, and approximately 7,000 children die from it, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The condition can develop rapidly, and its symptoms—such as fever, rapid heart rate, lethargy, or confusion—are often mistaken for more common illnesses.

Sepsis occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection and injures its own tissues and organs. Important warning signs of pediatric sepsis include:

  • High or low body temperature
  • Rapid heart rate or breathing
  • Extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking
  • Confusion, irritability, or unexplained discomfort
  •  Reduced urine output
  • Cold, pale, or bluish skin

"If parents are ever unsure, it's best to err on the side of caution, seek emergency care and directly ask if this could be sepsis?" said Avesar.

In the critical first 24 hours, Ollie's medical care team worked around the clock to provide complex supportive care to help stabilize him.

Ollie’s family was constantly at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Ollie was placed on life support for 12 days as his tiny body fought the infection. His fingers turned black and red due to the lack of oxygen and blood flow caused by septic shock, eventually requiring doctors to partially amputate eight of his fingers. Ollie’s legs also suffered significant tissue damage, requiring skin graft surgery. Avesar explains Ollie lost his fingers due to the body’s survival process of fighting shock by shunting blood away from extremities to protect critical organs like the brain and heart.

Despite the severity of his condition, Oliver showed signs of improvement every day during his stay in the PICU.  As Ollie's parents prepared to take him home after nearly three months of hospitalization, the road ahead remained long. Ollie had also contracted meningitis during his stay and was diagnosed with a stroke, further complicating his recovery.

"It was a nightmare, but Loma Linda's care and dedication to saving Ollie were extraordinary," Bonds shared.

While he will face lasting effects from his battle with septic shock, Ollie’s recovery is nothing short of remarkable. Today, Ollie and his family are back in Montana and grateful he is alive.

"You never think something this severe could happen to you, but we are so lucky to have had such incredible doctors and care. Loma Linda saved our son,” said Bonds.

Lifestyle habits can help lower the chances of an infection turning into sepsis in your child. Avesar recommends preventing infections by practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, addressing any health concerns or chronic conditions as they arise, and staying up to date on your child’s vaccinations.

If signs of sepsis are recognized or suspected, call 911 or visit the Emergency Room immediately.