SHERMAN OAKS, Calif., April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Actress Alicia Cole, a Screen Actors Guild member for 14 years, is known for the many portrayals of doctors and nurses, including roles on General Hospital, Young and the Restless, and more. But a year ago, Cole switched from playing a doctor to becoming a real-life patient after contracting Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF), 'Man-eating Flesh Disease'. This lead to six additional surgeries and a struggle to survive. This also lead Cole to fight to bring awareness to the rise in preventable hospital acquired infections and particularly MRSA Cases.
It is estimated that staph infections alone kill approximately 100,000 Americans in hospitals annually. Dennis Quaid's family tragedy is a prime example of the increase in preventable hospital errors today.
Cole's plight began on Aug. 15, 2006 upon entering the same top-rated San Fernando Valley hospital that treated fan favorite John Ritter. Following a minor procedure, a quarter-sized pustule developed that would lead to the traumatizing diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis. To view the ravaging effects of this disease go to Cole's site at http://www.aliciacole.com/ .
Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is a bacterial infection that attacks the soft tissue and fascia. In order to contract the bacteria, it needs to be introduced into the body. Thereby, NF often occurs through complications from surgery or infections from hospitals.
"I vowed, if I am able to survive this, I will dedicate myself to insuring that no other family has to endure the trauma and burdens inflicted by a preventable hospital infection." Cole now advocates nationally for safer healthcare and public reporting of hospital infection and death rates. Cole was the first member of the public to address Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Committee on Hospital Associated Infections created by Senate Bill 739.
Cole recently founded the Alliance for Safety Awareness for Patients (ASAP) to educate and protect patients. ASAP works with established advocacy groups, healthcare providers and legislators to strive to reduce the spread of preventable hospital-acquired infections by empowering the public to make informed decisions about healthcare issues.
Stop the disease. Make a Difference. Go to http://www.aliciacole.com/ for more details. Alicia Cole is available for media interviews by contacting publicist Diana Ennen at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.
Alicia Cole
