The death of engineer and former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal “Krissy” Anderson, is shedding light on the disparities that Black women face with sepsis, a life-threatening condition that is triggered by the body’s response to infection leading to tissue and organ damage during pregnancy, childbirth, post-abortion, or the postpartum period.
Anderson, 40, tragically succumbed to maternal sepsis on March 20 after experiencing a stillbirth of her daughter, Charlotte Willow, at 21 weeks. A GoFundMe campaign established in memory of the beloved mother and wife noted that her struggle with sepsis resulted in severe organ failure, necessitating life support.
Despite undergoing three surgeries, the root of the infection remained unidentified. In the early hours of March 20, with her loving family by her side, Krissy peacefully passed away.
“Her radiant smile could light up the darkest room, and her sassy responses never failed to bring laughter and joy. She loved with her whole heart, leaving an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her,” a statement published on her GoFundMe campaign stated.
Krystal Anderson spiked a fever shortly after losing Charlotte Willow.
During an interview with Fox 4, Anderson’s husband, Clayton William Anderson, revealed that the former yoga instructor had a high fever when she went into sepsis. The rapid spike led to irreparable organ damage. It’s unclear if there was a delay in treating the former cheerleader’s condition.
“I feel lost,” Clayton said. “There’s a lot of people in this house and it feels empty.”
Anderson was preceded in death by her daughter, Charlotte Willow, and her first child, James Charles, who also died in infancy.
Black women face double the risk of developing severe maternal sepsis compared to women of other races. This significant gap extends to their children as well. Data from the Sepsis Alliance indicates that Black children have a 30% higher…
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