I am an advocate because C. diff almost destroyed my life. I am a survivor, and I want to share my experience with others who are affected by this disease. I want to focus on the importance of mental health to C. diff patients, survivors and family members. C. diff wrecks havoc on your body physically, and battling it can do the same mentally. This disease can lead to PTSD, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. It has been proven that the gut and the brain are directly related. I'd like to see more support groups for patients and survivors. While most people are eventually cured from C. diff, the trauma can last a lifetime. It is hard for many people to understand what this disease does physically, but mentally, it's almost incomprehensible.

I am an advocate in memory of my mom, who passed away from C. diff. Nothing would please me more than seeing a world where C. diff is eradicated. Seeing prevention and cure would help my family to cope with her loss and remind us that her life mattered.

I am a C. diff advocate because C. diff prevention and mandatory reporting is a cause worth fighting for. One’s health is a treasure, and C. diff is like a thief in the night, robbing one’s health and sometimes taking a life with lightning speed. I watched C. diff ravage my mother’s body in the throes of her infection and rob her of the dignity of her final years of life, leaving a fiercely independent woman dependent for her every need. I am an advocate for her and for everyone like her who has not been counted and does not have a voice. Sometimes I think if, on a given day, in a single moment, one healthcare worker had taken the time to wash his or her hands, perhaps all this suffering could have been spared. There’s much to be done. 'I may only have one match, but I can make an explosion.'

I'm an advocate because I believe nobody should suffer from a preventable illness like I did. Through awareness and advocation, I believe we can limit the risk of C. diff infections throughout the country.

For me, advocacy is crucial when it comes to an infection such as C. diff, which does not get the alarm and attention it deserves. As an advocate, I wish to comfort and support those struggling with this cruel disease, educate as many as I can along the way, and lobby to change policy regarding reporting C. diff, how it is handled in health care situations and future infection prevention.

I am an advocate because C. diff does not have to be this prevalent. Having C. diff in my early twenties did not defeat me, rather it empowered me to speak up and advocate for this horrible disease. I know that C. diff does defeat so many people, so I’d like to be there as support to let them know that they are not alone.

I am an advocate because I know firsthand what it is like to live with C. diff and how a flare up can change your lifestyle. I am also an advocate so that those who do not choose to be a voice can have a place to find one.

I am an advocate because I have witnessed the devastating effects of C. diff – to patients, families, and the healthcare community. And personally, I have lost a friend to C. diff. As an infection Preventionist, I feel that I have the ability to positively influence C. diff acquisition and outcomes by providing education and guiding evidence-based practice.

I witnessed my child suffer through C. diff due to antibiotics. I feel an awareness to the growing risk of C. diff infections needs to be addressed, and young parents need to know the risk, yet benefits, of antibiotics. I'm an advocate because I understand what fear comes upon a parent when their child is fighting C. diff, and my goal is to bring them hope during that time.

I advocate for my Mom a voice that can no longer be heard, to save save lives of the future and bring awareness to the present.

Being Advocates help us to honor our wife and mother, Judy Dexter.