Burcu Morkan Tells ABD Post About Her Fight with Sepsis
From the Turkish‑American community, Burcu Morkan survived the brink of death after suffering septic shock in 2013. Having endured a harrowing ordeal due to sepsis, she clung to life and recounted her experience to ABDPOST, calling for awareness against the deadly disease.

The US‑based Sepsis Alliance has declared September as Sepsis Awareness Month. September 13 is observed each year as World Sepsis Day. This date is highlighted worldwide to draw attention to the symptoms of sepsis and the importance of early intervention. The organization will mark the 15th year of this awareness campaign in 2026. During this very period, Burcu Morkan of the Turkish‑American community told US Post New York Representative Özlem Özgüt Yörekli about the sepsis she encountered years ago.

His nightmare began with a simple urinary tract infection.
Morkan's life changed dramatically after a simple urinary tract infection he suffered in 2013. As the infection progressed, Morkan went into septic shock and went through a critical phase between life and death. According to his account, doctors at the time estimated the chance of survival at 20%.
Morkan shares the experience today to raise awareness about sepsis, highlighting how an apparently ordinary infection can lead to severe consequences.
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“I Came Back from the Edge of Death”
Morkan emphasizes that sepsis should not be regarded merely as a medical term while recounting the critical process he underwent. Highlighting the importance of recognizing the disease's symptoms and seeking timely medical intervention after his own experience, Morkan tells his story to help others detect the same danger earlier.
His story also underscores the importance of the experiences of people who survived sepsis in awareness efforts.

Why Is Sepsis So Dangerous?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines sepsis as the body's excessive response to an infection. This process can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. According to the CDC, infections that trigger sepsis most often begin in the lungs, digestive system, skin, or urinary tract. Therefore, the urinary tract infection that Morkan experienced is among the infection sources that can turn into sepsis.
Millions of Cases Worldwide Every Year
According to data from the Global Sepsis Alliance, approximately 47–50 million sepsis cases occur worldwide each year, and at least 11 million people die from the condition.
The Sepsis Alliance also emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and intervention in awareness efforts. Its 2026 Sepsis Awareness Month campaign focuses on helping the public better recognize the disease and reduce the losses it can cause.
Burcu Morkan's Call for Awareness
Morkan's story told to the US Post reminds that sepsis is not just a health issue discussed only in hospitals, and that society must also be informed about the disease's symptoms and the risks it poses.
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