Emily Grace Koenig

July 8, 1990 – December 11, 2002

Over
1.2 million
cases

of bacterial meningitis are estimated to occur worldwide every year.

Despite advances in clinical care, bacterial meningitis remains a severe disease with a high risk of complications that may lead to death or severe side effects.

Emily’s Dash Foundation

is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting charitable efforts that honor the life of Emily Grace Koenig, including:

  • funding bacterial meningitis awareness, vaccinations, and research
  • supporting anti-bullying, diversity, and children’s literacy
  • awarding annual scholarships at Villa Maria Academy

Learn more about
Emily’s Dash Foundation ›

For that dash represents all the time that Emily spent alive on earth, and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

Excerpt from “The Dash” by Linda Ellis

Get To Know Emily

Emily Grace Koenig, born July 8, 1990, was known for her vibrant personality and inherent dedication to all that she tackled in life, including writing her very own book about anti-bullying. Falling ill in December 2002, Emily’s health deteriorated at an alarmingly rapid rate, causing her parents to take her to the nearby hospital. She passed away only a few short hours later after being diagnosed with vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis.

Learn more about Emily’s Story ›

Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis

Sudden High Fever

Stiff Neck

Petechiae

Headache

Nausea or Vomiting

Symptoms of bacterial meningitis can mimic symptoms of the flu, especially in the early stages, but the presence of petechiae (tiny, round brown-purple spots due to bleeding under the skin) indicates a more serious issue and should be addressed immediately.
For more information about symptoms, prevention, and treatment, please visit the CDC’s website.