What happens when a parent’s intuition collides with a hospital’s dismissal?
In December 2023, entrepreneur and business strategist Reasa Selph rushed her 11-year-old son Nicholas to the ER. Despite clear signs of sepsis, he was sent home. Two days later, Nicholas collapsed in septic shock and spent more than a month in intensive care, enduring multiple surgeries to save his life.
Now 12, Nicholas is a survivor—but he lives with permanent injuries. And Reasa has turned their family’s fight into a mission to help other parents recognize the warning signs and speak up when something isn’t right.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
• The night Nicholas’s sepsis was missed—and what every parent can learn
• Early symptoms you should never ignore
• Exactly what to say if a doctor is dismissing your concerns
• How to gather records and keep medical info organized for follow-up or legal action
• Facing a big hospital system that doesn’t want to admit fault
• Resources and agencies that can support families after a medical crisis
Connect with Reasa Selph
• Instagram: @rdselph
📚 Helpful Resources on Sepsis & Patient Advocacy
• Get Ahead of Sepsis – CDC: Clear signs, symptoms, and prevention tips.
cdc.gov/sepsis
• Sepsis Alliance: Education, patient stories, and a 24/7 helpline.
sepsis.org
• Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ): Tools for patients and families to improve hospital safety.
ahrq.gov/patients-consumers
• National Patient Safety Foundation: Guidance on speaking up and partnering with care teams.
npsf.org
• State Medical Board / Department of Health: To report concerns or file a complaint (search “medical board” + your state).
