When Larry Anzalone, a 73‑year‑old resident of Dade City, went to bed after dinner with friends on June 3, he could not have imagined the ordeal that would follow. An ear infection in May spiraled into bacterial meningitis, a brain clot, pneumonia and, ultimately, severe sepsis – the leading cause of death among hospitalized patients.
Medical emergency and intensive care
After his condition worsened, Anzalone was rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where doctors placed him in a medically induced coma for ten days. Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, chief hospital epidemiology officer at TGH, oversaw his treatment and called the recovery “miraculous.” Cherabuddi explained that while Anzalone had been vaccinated twice against pneumococcus, many strains still exist, making infection possible. He emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that a dedicated monitoring team reviews every patient for signs of sepsis and acts quickly.
Faith and family as pillars of hope
Throughout the coma, Anzalone heard his wife, Sherry, whispering words of love and encouragement. “She goes, ‘You’re the love of my life. And don’t leave me,’” he recalled. Those words, combined with his belief in divine providence, sustained him. “They told my family the likelihood was greater than not that I would pass. By the grace of God, I’m a miracle man,” he said.
Road to recovery
Following a month of rehabilitation, Anzalone returned home without needing a walking aid. He is now regaining weight, rebuilding strength, and planning a vacation with his wife. His story underscores the critical role of early sepsis detection, comprehensive hospital care, and the emotional support of loved ones.
Public‑health takeaways
Sepsis remains a top killer in hospitals nationwide. Health officials stress vaccination, prompt treatment of infections, and vigilant monitoring to reduce risk. Dr. Cherabuddi’s team at Tampa General continues to refine protocols that aim to catch sepsis early, potentially saving more lives.
Community response
Friends, neighbors, and local faith groups have rallied around the Anzalone family, offering meals, prayers, and visits. Their collective support reflects the strong community bonds that define Dade City and the surrounding Pasco County area.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
