A Miraculous Turnaround

Nine years ago, Mac Horsburgh faced a harrowing fight for survival, lying in a hospital bed with only a 25% chance of living. Fast forward to today, at age 76, he’s not just alive—he's a national champion, having recently clinched gold at the 2025 Pickleball Championships in Winnipeg.

Overcoming Adversity

Horsburgh attributes his remarkable achievement to his indomitable spirit as a sepsis survivor. "Winning that gold medal was confirmation of my perseverance and athletic ability in overcoming the challenges of surviving sepsis," he said, his eyes reflecting the joy of triumph.

A Battle Against Sepsis

Horsburgh’s saga began with a simple cyst on his finger that turned deadly. Misdiagnosed and weeks later experiencing a ruptured aneurysm due to a spreading infection, he was thrust into the Intensive Care Unit, where the reality of his condition hit his wife, Laura Roberts, hard. Not ready to give up, she advocated fiercely for her husband’s care, refusing to accept defeat.

Rising from the Ashes

After a ten-day induced coma, Mac awoke to a long road of recovery ahead. His muscles atrophied, he had to relearn basic movements. The term 'septic shock' was introduced only later, leaving him and his family grappling with the emotional and physical toll of his ordeal.

A Family Impacted

The trauma affected not just Mac but his entire family, leading them to seek counseling as they navigated the aftermath of his near-death experience. "Our whole family had PTSD, to be honest," Laura shared, shedding light on the struggles they faced together.

A New Passion Unveiled

Five years post-recovery, a chance encounter with pickleball ignited a new passion in Mac. Drawn by his earlier experiences in tennis and handball, he quickly rose through the ranks of the sport, competing vigorously. His journey culminated in a thrilling face-off at the nationals, where he faced the same opponent who had bested him previously.

Advocating for Change

Now a gold medalist, Horsburgh is leveraging his story to raise awareness about sepsis, a condition that claims countless lives annually. Recognized as one of Canada’s leading advocates for sepsis awareness, he tirelessly strives to ensure that others receive the information and resources he lacked during his own battle.

Legacy of Hope and Healing

Mac’s journey is not just about personal victory but about giving back and inspiring others. He continues to contribute to medical research and share his story, highlighting the importance of early recognition of infections. His advocacy has also aided in his healing process. "I want to give something back, to honor the incredible medical professionals who saved my life," he remarked.

Looking Ahead

Today, Horsburgh is more than just a pickleball champion—he’s a beacon of hope and resilience for sepsis survivors. With upcoming tournaments ahead, he remains committed to his passion for the game, driven by the belief that he plays not just for himself, but for all those who have fought similar battles. "Pickleball was a lifesaver for me," he declared. "I’m playing for sepsis survivors."