One-On-One: Mary Ellen Mannix

Abstract

James Matthew Mannix was born on October 2, 2001. By October 13, he was gone. While the country was still reeling from 9/11, Mary Ellen Mannix and her family were struggling with a life-shattering crisis of their own. James was diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, though it was relatively common and treatable. However, his 11 short days in the hospital involved a series of unfortunate events: medical mistakes, miscommunications, and ultimately a death that should never have happened. Although James’ story tragically ended after only 264 hours of life, it was just the beginning of his mother’s story of discovery and her journey toward patient safety advocacy.