About DKTB
After losing their daughter and nearly losing their son (both to viral illnesses), parents Eric and Holly needed to do something to help prevent other families from ever having to live this nightmare. In 2020, Don’t Kiss The Babies Foundation was born, spreading awareness and support to families everywhere.
Ellie’s Story
Eric, Holly and Emmett Sitzmann welcomed Eleanor (Ellie) Jean into their family on July 5, 2019. Their journey as a family of four had just begun, with many dreams of the future ahead for their children.
On July 14, 2019, Eric and Holly noticed Ellie had stopped eating and became very lethargic. Trusting their parental instincts, Eric and Holly took Ellie to a local walk-in clinic to be examined. Upon their arrival, Ellie’s oxygen level was critically low and she was transferred to a local emergency room. Ellie was intubated and life-flighted to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.
Over the next three days, Ellie went into cardiac arrest three times, leaving her vital organs without oxygen or proper blood flow.
After multiple procedures attempting to undo the damage done, Ellie lost her courageous battle and was called home to heaven on July 17, 2019. Doctors determined that Ellie had contracted a viral infection known as Enterovirus.
Emmett’s Story
In October 2019, four months after Ellie’s passing, the unthinkable happened to Ellie’s 2-year-old brother Emmett.
Emmett was rushed by ambulance to a local emergency room where he, too, was intubated and life-flighted to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital to receive pediatric intensive care.
The events unfolded just as Ellie’s experience had months prior, and the Sitzmanns were left feeling as if they were living a nightmare.
Thankfully, after several days on a ventilator in the PICU, Emmett was extubated and eventually discharged to come home. Doctors determined that he, too, had contracted a virus known as Adenovirus in addition to a serious case of bacterial pneumonia.
Why We Exist
Don’t Kiss The Babies Foundation was created to spread awareness about the dangers of viral illnesses in newborns and young children
When newborns are exposed to viral infections, such as Enterovirus, in the days and weeks following birth, the outcome can be life-threatening, and for some, fatal.
Enterovirus, for example, appears each year in late spring to early summer; for many healthy children and adults, Enterovirus does not cause serious symptoms, if any at all.
We Educate
Learn the signs of when and what to do if an infant or child need action to be taken. We offer fact-based education from experts on how to prevent serious illness, and what to do next. We want to simply help equip others with adequate and appropriate knowledge on the life-threatening and potentially fatal effects of serious viral illnesses in infants and young children.
We Advocate
Infants and very young children can’t speak for themselves. It’s up to us as their parents, relatives, and loved ones to speak on their behalf in terms of protecting them. We want to provide a platform for everyone to be able to share their story and give opportunities to also reach outside of one’s own circle to raise awareness.
We Support
As the voice of our young children, it’s up to us as their parents to make their health and well-being a top priority. We offer tools to help avoid potentially awkward or dangerous situations that could put our children at risk. We also strive to provide support for grieving families who may be familiar with this unique type of loss and the effects it can leave on their lives.
Our Founders & Board Members
Eric Sitzmann
President, Co-Founder
Zach Crnecki
Treasurer
Holly Sitzmann
Vice President, Co-Founder
Drew Dechant
Treasurer
Stephanie Seidl
Fundraising
Tara Roddick
Board Secretary
Get Involved
Whether it be monetary donations, willingness to help out at events, or to learn how to be an advocate, there are many ways to get involved with Don’t Kiss The Babies. Contact us to learn how to get involved!
