Landan Harris

Landan Everett Harris

August 17 2003 - November 16 2006

Age: 3 years old 

On November 14 2006, Landan was acting unusually fussy. His stepfather put him down for a nap because he and Landan's mother thought that he might be tired.

When Landan woke up, he was still fussy. He kept touching his throat so his mother asked him if his throat hurt. Landan said it did. His mother thought he might have a cold so she went to the store to get some medication for him.

He slept in the living room on and off for the rest of the day. Around 10:00 pm. he was put to bed in his mother's room. Around 2:00 in the morning he was given more medication. He woke up about an hour later and asked for more juice.

At 6:00 a.m. his mother got him more juice again. At 9:00 am Landan's mother woke up to find Landan laying on the floor. He appeared to be covered in bruises. She called her mother and then called 911. Paramedics arrived and rushed Landan to the hospital. The last thing Landan said to his mother was, "Mama, hold me." She couldn't because doctors had to try and save his life and there was no time to spare. Landan's mother and grandmother waited in the hallway. His grandmother asked if he was going to be okay and was told that he was a very sick little boy.

Eventually, a doctor told them that Landan was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, which has a 90% mortality rate. They were allowed to go see Landan, but they had to dress in scrubs with masks and gloves to help protect him.

His foot, nose, and back were severely discolored, as was much of his body, though in smaller patches.

His body was bleeding and clotting at the same time, causing the discoloration. 

Landan stayed at the hospital for twenty-three hours. He had three hyperbaric chamber treatments. Unfortunately, Landan went into cardiac arrest.

Doctors attempted to save him but nothing could be done, and he passed away. Landan's beloved guinea pig passed away just 4 days after Landan did.