A devastated family in England is turning their grief into action after their 4-year-old son, Jaxon Knowles, died suddenly from a rare and aggressive form of meningitis. His parents, Sammy and John Knowles, are speaking out in hopes of raising awareness about the deadly disease and funding more research to prevent future tragedies.
John and Sammy Knowles with their son Jaxon, Photo Credit: Sammy Knowles/Facebook
Jaxon, described as the couple’s “miracle baby,” was born in July 2020 after his parents endured years of infertility struggles. Sammy and John had spent seven years trying to conceive, undergoing five rounds of IVF and suffering three miscarriages before finally welcoming their son into the world.
“We had almost given up,” Jaxon’s mother told in an interview. “Every moment with him was a blessing, and we always tried to make his life as special as possible.”
But their lives were shattered after a weekend family trip to Blackpool, England. On February 16, Jaxon started complaining of pain under his arm and an upset stomach. His parents weren’t overly alarmed, as he frequently battled chest infections. That night, he asked to sleep in his mother’s bed, something he often did when he wasn’t feeling well.
Jaxon Knowles eating dessert in a table, Photo Credit: Sammy Knowles/Facebook
“I gave him some Calpol, and it brought his fever down,” Sammy told Yorkshire Live, explaining that she had stayed up with him until 2 a.m.
But just a few hours later, she woke to check his temperature and noticed a rash. At first, she assumed it might be chickenpox, but when she turned on the light, the severity of the situation became horrifyingly clear.
“The rash looked like burst veins, and then he started throwing up,” she said. “His mouth swelled up, and I knew something was horribly wrong.”
Panicked, the parents called emergency services, who instructed them to lay Jaxon on the floor and count his breaths. When paramedics arrived, they were rushed to Rotherham Hospital, where they learned that 15 doctors and nurses were waiting for them in the ICU.
Jaxon Knowles holding two new pet fish in a plastic bag, Photo Credit: Sammy Knowles/Facebook
Jaxon’s condition deteriorated rapidly. His rash turned dark purple, and he began bleeding from his eyes. His parents sang his favorite lullabies in an attempt to comfort him as doctors worked desperately to save his life. At one point, medical staff were able to restart his heart—but tragically, he passed away on the morning of February 17.
“It still doesn’t seem real,” Sammy said. “He was fine just hours before, and then he was gone. There were no warning signs.”
Jaxon had contracted meningococcal disease, a severe bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness is often fatal, with about 10% of cases resulting in death.
Now, the Knowles family is determined to make sure other families don’t suffer the same loss. They have created the Jaxon Knowles Forever Fund to raise money for Meningitis Now, a charity dedicated to research and prevention. So far, they have raised more than £13,000 (approximately $17,000).
Jaxon Knowles eating food at a restaurant on Valentines Day, Photo Credit: Sammy Knowles/Facebook
“There was no vaccine available that could have saved Jaxon,” Sammy said. “But with more funding and research, maybe that can change.”
While their home now feels empty without their beloved son, the couple is hopeful that their efforts will help spare another family from the same heartbreak.
“If we can save just one life, then that’s something,” Sammy said.
Sources: People