SJS EXPERIENCE: At just 14 I was diagnosed with SJS. It started out with swollen lymph nodes,headache,and a fever. Two days after this occurred I woke up one morning with puffy, swollen eyes, blisters in my mouth, red bumps which started out on my stomach, then rapidly spread to my hands, legs and all other parts of my body. I was rushed to the Emergency room. From there, I was put on steroids which doctors hoped would've reversed the effect and make it stop. This was not the case. I was then transferred to another hospital where pediatrics were accepted to be watched for a few days. By this time my body started developing enormous blisters on all parts of my body. My skin was sloughing off. I was then transferred to yet another hospital. Hershey Med. Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania. By this time my body started burning up right in front of the Doctor's eyes. I was surrounded by at least 4 specialists. My body was at least 70% burns by that time. As time was running short, I was flown in the Life Lion helicopter to Crozer Chester burn center in Philadelphia, PA. The skin on my lungs was also sloughing off and closing my airway. I was put on a ventilator for 4 weeks. I was unable to see, talk, eat, or walk for 5 weeks. I was given 8 mg of morphine and ativan per hour for my 6 week stay at the burn center. Overall, my body was 95%burned.

After leaving the burn center, I couldn't return to school for my 9th grade year. I was too ill to go. I went to Physical and Occupational therapy to regain my strength. Some of my sweat glands were scarred closed, leaving me unable to exercise or sweat for at least a year. I am very sensitive to extreme hot and cold temperatures. I have minimal scarring on my chest and arms. I've lost all my fingernails and toenails, but one. My nail beds were scarred. The main problem I have today are my eyes. I don't produce any tears out of my right eye. I have to use refresh plus eye drops everyday. I have severe dry eye syndrome, and photophobia. I sometimes have lashes that grow in towards my eye, scratching the surface, and accounting for numerous visits to eye doctors at least several times a month. MY eyes are continually red, swollen, dry, and sore. I am currently investigating the Scleral lens. It seems to be my last hope. I am back to school now and in my senior year of high school.

SJS CHANGED MY LIFE: I would most definitely say that SJS changed my life. Because of my experience I have become so much stronger as a person. Although it sounds so cliche....its really true. "What doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger." And that it has. I have come to see people's inner beauty. I used to be so focused on peoples outward appearances that I never got a chance to know them. I have also become so much more appreciate of my life in general and how blessed I am to even be alive. And to all the things I have in my life. I am extremely grateful and after almost having your life taken away I've realized how important it is to live everyday as if it's your last. I think I've become more mature and wise and I've learned things in life that most people don't learn until their 30's 40's or if ever. I feel like I appreciate every little thing more. I do things now for the goodness of others, not myself. If there was a way for this not to happen to another person, I would definitely do it.

FUTURE GOALS: I have my heart set on being an adolescent psychologist, and/or helping those who suffer from SJS and diseases like it, which change the outward appearance. I really feel like I'd be able to empathize with them, and truly know EXACTLY what they're going through. I'd be able to help them from my heart, not from a psychology textbook. I feel like there is no better feeling then knowing you made a difference for the better in someone's life.