In a heartfelt personal account, Emmi S. Herman shares the story of her sister Marcie, who survived measles encephalitis in 1960, emphasizing the significance of vaccination in preventing this devastating disease. The article serves as a reminder amidst the recent surge in measles cases both in the United States and worldwide.

Herman vividly recalls the terrifying moments when her sister fell ill with measles, a common occurrence before the introduction of the measles vaccination program in the U.S. in 1963. Marcie's case took a severe turn when she developed measles encephalitis, a complication that can cause permanent brain damage. Tragically, for every 1,000 people with measles, one ends up with this debilitating condition.

The author, reflecting on the current rise in measles cases, expresses how the gravity of her sister's illness has deeply impacted her. She vividly recalls the chaotic scene as her sister was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, with a concerned community looking on. Marcie's battle for survival became evident when she waved from the hospital window after emerging from a coma, a moment that symbolized her resilience and determination.

However, despite surviving the initial illness, Marcie's life was forever altered. She returned home, but her behavior and personality underwent significant changes. She struggled with learning new concepts and experienced emotional outbursts. The article highlights the lack of support and accommodations available to children like Marcie, whose disabilities were not adequately addressed in the education system.

The consequences of measles encephalitis continued to impact Marcie as she faced physical and psychological impairments, including seizures and mental illness. Despite medication managing her seizures, the damage caused by the disease was irreversible. She also endured bullying, further highlighting the lasting effects of this preventable disease.

The importance of vaccination emerges as the central message of the article. Thanks to effective vaccines, measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, including measles encephalitis. However, the recent surge in measles cases is attributed to a growing trend of parents opting out of vaccinating their children, often influenced by misinformation spread through social media. Herman urges parents to consider the devastating consequences of measles by sharing her sister's tragic story.

The article concludes on a bittersweet note, as Herman reveals that Marcie passed away in August 2020, unrelated to measles, but due to complications from Covid-19. Her sister had eagerly awaited the Covid-19 vaccine, longing for the protection it could provide. The author wonders what her sister's life, and her own, would have been like if the measles vaccine had been available in 1960, and the tragic consequences could have been avoided.

Emmi S. Herman's poignant account serves as a reminder of the importance of vaccinations in preventing diseases like measles and the significant impact they can have on individuals and their families. It is a call for parents to make informed decisions and protect their children's health by vaccinating against this insidious disease.