Welcome to the J.A.M.I.E. Group

**Advocating. Educating. Preventing.**
We’re a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about meningococcal disease and the life-saving power of vaccination. Inspired by Jamie Schanbaum’s personal journey of survival, we use real stories, educational tools, and community outreach to inform and protect individuals and families.
Whether you're here to learn, connect, or take action—we’re so glad you’re with us.

About The J.A.M.I.E. Group

The J.A.M.I.E. Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the potentially devastating effects of meningococcal meningitis. The organization’s name stands for Joint Advocacy of Meningococcal Information & Education, and it was founded in 2009 following the life-altering experience of Jamie Schanbaum.

In November 2008, while attending the University of Texas at Austin, Jamie Schanbaum was rushed to Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas, after experiencing flu-like symptoms and what she believed to be an asthma attack. Within 48 hours, she and her family learned that she had contracted meningococcal septicemia, a severe and often fatal bloodstream infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis.

Unlike meningitis, which affects the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, meningococcal septicemia infects the blood, allowing the bacteria to release toxins that cause widespread damage. It is even more deadly than traditional meningitis and can progress with alarming speed.

According to the state health department, approximately one in ten people unknowingly carry the meningococcal bacteria in their nose or throat. While carriers may remain asymptomatic, a common illness—such as a cold or stomach virus—can create a pathway for the bacteria to enter the bloodstream. This is what happened to Jamie.

Jamie ultimately survived, but the infection resulted in the amputation of both her legs and several fingers. Her experience became the catalyst for a lifelong mission: to ensure others do not have to endure the same suffering from a disease that is preventable through vaccination.

The J.A.M.I.E. Group

Through advocacy, education, and outreach, The J.A.M.I.E. Group works to inform the public, empower families, and prevent further tragedies caused by meningococcal disease.

Our Mission

The mission of The J.A.M.I.E. Group is to increase public knowledge about meningococcal disease so that no one need suffer from this devastating—yet vaccine-preventable—illness. We are committed to leading the fight through education, community outreach, and advocacy. By empowering students, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals with accurate, accessible information, we aim to foster stronger, healthier communities.

Since surviving her battle with meningococcal septicemia, Jamie Schanbaum has demonstrated extraordinary strength and perseverance. Her determination to raise awareness and drive legislative change led to the successful passage of Senate Bill 819 in the summer of 2009. Known as The Jamie Schanbaum Act, the bill mandates meningitis vaccination for incoming college students in Texas—after two previous attempts at similar legislation had failed.

In 2011, the bill was amended and expanded to become the Jamie Schanbaum and Nicholas Williams Act. This updated law mandates that all incoming college students under the age of 22 (not just those living on campus) must receive a meningitis vaccination prior to enrollment at Texas institutions of higher education. This amendment honored both Jamie’s advocacy and the life of Nicholas Williams, a Texas student who tragically lost his life to meningitis in 2009.

Jamie’s advocacy didn’t stop there. Just two years after learning to walk again with prosthetic limbs, she earned a place on the USA Paralympic Cycling Team in 2011, proving that limits are meant to be pushed. Today, Jamie continues to exceed expectations—an enduring example of resilience, leadership, and purpose.

Together, with your support, we can continue this mission to educate, protect, and inspire.