What was supposed to be a joyous family vacation turned into an unimaginable tragedy, leaving a family devastated by the loss of their 4-year-old son, Jaxon Knowles. Now, his heartbroken parents are using their grief to spread awareness about the deadly disease that claimed his life.

A Family’s Dream Vacation Turns to Tragedy

Jaxon’s mother, Sammy Knowles, and her husband Jordan had planned a short getaway to Blackpool, hoping to create cherished memories with their young son. The family was looking forward to quality time together, but as they returned home on Sunday, February 16, everything changed.

Jaxon, who had been active and healthy, suddenly began complaining of pain under his arm. He then fell asleep, but when he woke up, he told his mother that his stomach hurt. “He asked to sleep in my bed, which he always did when he wasn’t feeling well,” Sammy recalled. In an effort to soothe her son, Sammy gave him a small dose of paracetamol, which had helped with his previous chest infections. She thought he would feel better after resting.

However, the next morning, things took a horrifying turn.

The Unthinkable Happens

Around 5 a.m. the following morning, Sammy woke up to check on her son. She used the flashlight on her phone to check his temperature, and that’s when she noticed something alarming — a rash on Jaxon’s body. “At first, I thought it was chickenpox, but when I turned on the lamp, I realized it was much worse,” Sammy said, her voice shaking. The rash quickly spread and became more severe, and Jaxon’s condition deteriorated rapidly. His mouth and tongue began to swell, and he vomited.

Panicking, Sammy and Jordan called emergency services, but as they waited for the ambulance, Jaxon’s condition worsened. “We had to turn him on his side because he could barely breathe,” Sammy remembers. The moments felt like an eternity as they waited desperately for medical help.

When they finally arrived at the hospital, doctors worked tirelessly to save Jaxon. “There were 15 doctors around him, trying everything they could,” Sammy said. “He was crying blood. I sang his favorite lullabies to him, but the doctors said they needed to put him into a coma and transfer him to a children’s hospital.” Despite their best efforts, Jaxon’s heart stopped, and after briefly reviving him, he passed away on the morning of February 17, 2025.

Meningitis: The Unseen Threat

Sammy and Jordan were shocked — just hours before, Jaxon had been fine. There were no signs or symptoms of meningitis, and they had no idea that something so dangerous could develop so quickly. Tragically, Jaxon’s death was later confirmed to be caused by meningococcal disease, a severe form of bacterial meningitis that is particularly deadly for young children.

“Meningitis was never something we expected, and we had no idea how quickly it could take a life,” Sammy said, her heartbroken voice heavy with grief. “Jaxon was our miracle baby. We spent seven years trying to have him, going through IVF and multiple miscarriages. He was our last hope.”

Raising Awareness for Others

Though devastated, Jaxon’s parents are determined to use their pain to raise awareness about meningitis and its dangers. “If we can help even one family, that would mean everything to us,” Jordan said, trying to hold back tears as he spoke about his son’s life and loss.

Meningitis, especially bacterial meningitis, can be hard to diagnose early on because its symptoms often resemble other illnesses. Early signs can include fever and headache, but as the infection progresses, more specific symptoms appear, such as stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and vomiting. In severe cases, meningitis can cause confusion, seizures, and even a coma.

Each year, around 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and up to 10% of cases can be fatal. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to the disease, making it critical for parents to be aware of the potential risks.

Honoring Jaxon’s Memory

In an effort to honor Jaxon’s memory, his parents have set up a charity page with donations going to Meningitis Now, an organization that supports families affected by the disease. “There was no vaccination available for Jax, but we hope that with more funding and research, things can change in the future,” said Jordan, emphasizing the importance of continued research and awareness.

Additionally, Sheffield Wednesday, a football club Jaxon loved, has planned a tribute in his honor during a match against Sunderland. Fans will be invited to participate in a four-minute round of applause in memory of the young boy.

A Family Forever Changed

Jaxon’s parents, still reeling from the loss of their “miracle baby,” struggle to come to terms with the devastating void his passing has left in their lives. “He was everything to us,” Sammy said, her voice trembling. “Now, there’s just a void. Our house is empty. Our world is empty. We have nothing.”

The Knowles family’s heartbreaking story serves as a painful reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike, and how important it is to stay vigilant about our children’s health. Jaxon’s family hopes that by sharing their experience, others can be more aware of the symptoms of meningitis and take action quickly if they suspect something is wrong.

In memory of their son, they continue to honor his spirit, hoping their pain can prevent other families from experiencing the same heartache.