Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by Activist Diane Shader Smith (September 2023)

Everychild members gathered at the home of Ande and Bruce Rosenblum in September to hear from Everychild member Diane Shader Smith about AMR – Antimicrobial Resistance – a global health concern that results from bacteria, viruses and fungi evolving to resist drugs designed to combat them. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared AMR one of the top 10 health threats globally because it reduces or eliminates the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections.

Smith became immersed in the issue of AMR following the death of her daughter, Mallory, at the age of 25. Mallory was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a young child and battled the disease her whole life. She caught a bacterial infection (a “superbug”) that she fought for ten years, as it proved resistant to all drugs. It was this infection that ultimately led to her death. Since her daughter’s passing, Smith has addressed NATO, The World Bank, WHO, the UN and the White House on the risks from AMR and the need for both research around and clear communication on the phenomenon.

Smith’s daughter documented her ten-year battle with AMR with over 2500 pages of journal entries. A talented writer, Mallory asked that her writing be shared. Smith did just that, working with Random House to publish
Salt in my Soul, An Unfinished Life, which was also turned into a documentary. Advocating for increased research and awareness on AMR is now Smith’s life’s mission.