Ken Flach, Sepsis, and a Mission to Save Lives

Christina and Ken Flach — a love story cut short by sepsis. In his honor, Christina has dedicated herself to raising awareness so other families can be spared the same heartbreak.

When Ken Flach — professional tennis champion, gold medalist, and devoted husband and father — passed away on March 12, 2018 at just 54 years old, the tennis world mourned the loss of one of its greatest doubles players. But for Pretty Girl Makeup CEO and celebrity makeup artist Christina Flach, it was the beginning of a mission she never expected to be on.

Ken’s death came swiftly and without warning. What began as an upper respiratory infection progressed to septic shock within days. Despite being in contact with medical personnel, he was treated remotely and prescribed an inhaler and cough syrup. By the time Christina rushed him to the emergency room — where he was diagnosed with pneumonia — sepsis was already ravaging his body. He was intubated, transferred to UCSF, and taken off life support shortly after, his organs having failed.

“I didn’t understand that we’d never speak again,” Christina told KTVU FOX 2. “And I really thought he was going to be OK.”

In the aftermath of that devastating loss, Christina became one of the most passionate sepsis awareness advocates in the country. She partnered with Sepsis Alliance to launch public awareness campaigns, and has shared Ken’s story on KTVU FOX 2, NBC Bay Area, ABC Bay Area, CBS, the Tennis Channel, Fox News, and Sirius Radio.

Here is the link to an interview I did with KTVU news, and the primary reason I became a Sepsis Advocate after the passing of my husband, Ken Flach

Christina and Ken Flach in Hawaii — cherishing the moments that matter most. Ken's passing from sepsis in 2018 inspired Christina's lifelong mission to raise awareness and save lives.