Christina Cole

Christina A. Cole is an author, mother, federal public servant, and patient advocate based in Lorton, Virginia. At 35, she survived septic shock and cardiac arrest following a gynecological procedure. Her recovery has included bilateral transmetatarsal amputations—partial-foot amputations—the loss of several fingertips, and 18 procedures over more than three years.

For Christina, surviving the hospital was only the beginning. Ongoing surgeries, pain, changes in mobility, and the emotional weight of recovery have reshaped everyday life for her and her family. As a mother, she knows the joy of returning home to her son and the uncertainty of facing another procedure.

Her book, Through the Ashes, shares her experience of survival, resilience, and finding purpose after life-altering illness. She also founded Phoenix Health Compass and Phoenix Navigator to help patients and caregivers better understand their care, ask informed questions, and navigate hospitalization and recovery.

Drawing on more than 17 years of federal public service and her lived experience as a patient, Christina advocates for clearer communication, patient safety, disability inclusion, and stronger support after discharge. Her story has been featured by USA TODAY and NBC Washington.

Through writing, speaking, and collaboration with healthcare and sepsis organizations, Christina works to ensure patients feel heard and families feel better prepared. Her message is simple: recovery from sepsis does not end when someone leaves the hospital.