TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome is Back

TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome is back, and it is claiming the lives of young women.  Perhaps, you recall the health crisis in the 80’s involving TSS, and the use of deodorant tampons.  That, and the thought that people were not changing often enough, was thought to be the culprit.

Today, TSS is back, and claiming the lives of young women, again.  This time, the culprit, may surprise you.  Although, something as private as a woman’s monthly cycle, is not usually a topic of conversation, when it is becoming a silent health care crisis, it NEEDS to be SHARED!

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Special Thanks, to Lisa Elifritz, for sending me the story of her daughter, Amy. I am more than happy to share this story with you, so you are informed.

TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome and Amy’s Story!

Last summer, TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome, took the life of Amy Rae Elifritz, (ARE). She went from being a healthy and happy 20 year old, with her whole life ahead of her, to losing her life in a matter of days . . . sadly, this could have been prevented.

Did you know that tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome is real, relatively common, and can be deadly? Last summer, when Amy experienced flu-like symptoms, the fact that she was menstruating, seemed unimportant. A few days later, on June 13, she died from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome and You ARE Loved

Lisa Elifritz, Amy’s Mom, founded You ARE Loved, to help raise awareness, about the link between tampons and TSS -Toxic Shock Syndrome, with the goal of saving lives. This summer, their new non-profit organization, is seeking to mobilize bloggers, to help spread the message.  They are inviting you, to write a blog post on this important topic.

I encourage you to read this note, visit them online (website, Facebook, Twitter), read their informational brochure, view a two part story by the Indianapolis CBS affiliate WISH-TV (part 1 and part 2), read how others have participated in their blogging blitz (sample of what one blogger wrote about TSS , what another wrote about puberty education, and how one parenting expert featured them as a guest post), and also encourage you to do your own research.

They will be adding a section to their website, linking to blogs featuring information about TSS, and You ARE Loved. Please share the url, of any post you make also, so that they can include it on that page.

For more information, please contact Lisa at lisa@you-are-loved.org or 812-526-6768. Alternatively, you can write by snail mail to
You ARE Loved
Attn: Lisa Elifritz
4801 West Randy Road
Edinburgh, Indiana 46124

Thanks in advance, for considering the opportunity to partner with You ARE Loved, in our effort to raise awareness, about tampon related Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

This story touched my heart, as I hope it does yours, as well.  Please, click above and visit the website, as there is much to be learned there.  Please, also make note of the alternative 100% cotton brands that are available, and are much safer than, major store brand tampons.  Know, that You ARE Loved, and help raise awareness about, tampon related TSS- Toxic Shock Syndrome .