Peter and Helen Rowlands' lives have been impacted by meningitis not just once, but twice. Their son Gareth died from meningococcal septicaemia at 16 years of age while living at boarding school in the UK, leaving the family totally devastated. After moving to New Zealand, they faced this terrible disease again when their daughter Sian was diagnosed with viral meningitis in 2017 at the age of 32. They talk openly about Gareth, their own experiences in coping with his death, what they have learnt along the way, and their tireless work to raise public awareness of meningitis.

Cheralyn's son Matthew contracted meningitis at 3½ years of age. After a full day at daycare, Matthew was drowsy, had a sore neck and disliked bright lights. Cheralyn was concerned for his health and when Matthew's symptoms changed she trusted her instincts and rushed him straight to hospital. Watching him fight for his life was heartbreaking. Matthew survived but has lived with severe migraines and eye problems ever since. Now a healthy teenager he realises how lucky he is and how important his mum's actions were.

Meningococcal meningitis changed Louise's life completely. Louise and her Mum Frankie talk about her symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and her long road to recovery. Louise's love for animals has played a significant role in her recovery and rehabilitation. After learning to walk again, Louise was determined to get back on her beloved horses. Louise is working towards selection for the New Zealand paraequestrian team with the goal of representing New Zealand at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Sara had just finished university and started her first job when she got sick and went home with what she thought was the flu. Sara's mother kept an eye on her that afternoon and took her to an A&E clinic to be checked out. She was discharged home. Sara's symptoms got worse overnight and her mum took her back to A&E. Sara was immediately transferred to Auckland's North Shore Hospital. She was diagnosed with meningococcal septicaemia and fought hard to survive. This is her story of survival, recovery, and rehabilitation.

Throughout this podcast series, we talk with a range of people who share their knowledge and experiences - survivors, bereaved families, medical professionals, government representatives and decision makers. We aim to educate and inform all New Zealanders about meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis.