Severe Sepsis

State Rep. Chuck Efstration, right, and Gov. Nathan Deal, center, pose for a photo with sepsis survivor Karen Thieken, center right, along with her family and colleagues at the state Capitol in March.

Strong voice for sneaky illness

Karen Thieken is a busy, 40-some-thing wife and mom. She’s an entrepreneur, crazy about her family and excited about her business. Pushing her glasses up on top of her head and crossing her arms, she shakes her head as she ponders a miracle, the one that allows her to get up every morning and keep being a wife, mom and business owner.