About
Becky's Legacy
Twenty years ago, a father’s love sparked a movement. After losing his vibrant daughter, Becky, to meningitis, Bob Werner transformed his grief into action by launching an annual event in Milwaukee to raise awareness of a disease neither he nor Becky had even heard of before it devastated their lives. For two decades, Bob has carried that torch with heart and purpose, building a loyal community committed to protecting others from a similar fate.
Now, Bob has passed the torch to John to take Shots 4 Meningitis to the next level—and beyond. Their shared mission is deeply personal. Like Bob, John had never heard of meningitis until it changed his life forever.
Bob Werner, Founder of World Meningitis Day and Shots4Meningitis.
Bob Werner, Founder of World Meningitis Day and Shots4Meningitis.
John's Vision
As a 19-year-old sophomore, John was like most teenagers—he felt ten feet tall and bulletproof. Then he got sick with what he thought was the flu. He took some medicine and went to bed.
Eight days later, he woke up in the hospital—blind, disoriented, and lucky to be alive. For the past twenty-eight years, he has lived with permanent neurological damage and invisible disabilities that shape every part of his life.
Now, 28 years later, John is carrying Becky's legacy forward at the helm of Shots 4 Meningitis, and partnering with survivors, families and communities around the country to raise awareness and funding that will ultimately save lives and make the future brighter.
Our Mission
We believe meaningful change comes from bold, intentional action. Our initiatives bring our mission to life by raising awareness, supporting those impacted by meningitis, and expanding access to life-saving vaccines.
Our Vision
From community outreach and educational events to strategic partnerships, each initiative is a step toward a future where no one is caught off guard by this preventable disease. We’re not just talking about making a difference—we’re doing it.
Our Goals
Raise awareness so no one else is blindsided and unprepared.
Support survivors and families as they navigate the lifelong effects of this disease.
Endow a scholarship at Texas Tech University to honor the place where John’s life was forever changed.
Awareness
Support
Prevention
1 in 10 will die
Sometimes, in less than 24 hours. Early detection is critical to survival.
259,000 died in 2023
One third of those who passed away were under the age of 5, and most from preventable forms of the disease.
2 in 5 Survivors face lifelong disabilities
Survivors may face vision or hearing loss, neurological dysfunction, limb amputations, brain damage and more.
Meet the Board
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