LOCAL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION TO BE FEATURED ON THE MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW

Denver, Colorado. --- October 26, 2006 --- Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation Founder Jean McCawley and Julie McCawley SJS survivor, to appear on the Montel Williams Show. McCawley explains about the devastating effects of the drug reaction that her daughter Julie suffered at the age of 11 months and continues to suffer now, at the age of 13. Footage of Julie’s recovery and resultant damage to her eyes, throat and skin are also covered. Julie explains from the survivor’s point-of-view, how her daily activity and school relationships are affected.

SJS: WHAT IS IT?

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and TENS (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome) another form of SJS are severe adverse reactions to medication. Adverse drug reactions (ADR’s) account for approximately 150,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone, making drug reactions the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The Journal of the American Medical Association recently reported that 700,000 people a year experience adverse drug events. SJS is one of the most debilitating ADR’s recognized. It was first discovered in 1922 by pediatricians A.M. Stevens and F.C. Johnson after diagnosing a child with severe ocular and oral involvement to a drug reaction.

WHAT CAN CAUSE SJS?

Almost any medication including over-the-counter drugs, such as Ibuprofen, can cause SJS. Most commonly implicated drugs are anti-convulsants, antibiotics (such as sulfa, penicillin and cephalosporin) and anti-inflammatory medications.

SYMPTOMS

Rash, blisters, or red splotches on skin

Persistent fever

Blisters in mouth, eyes, ears, nose, genital area

Swelling of eyelids, red eyes

Conjunctivitis

Flu-like symptoms

Recent history of having taken a prescription or over-the-counter medication.

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Note to Media: Personal stories, photos and videotape are available upon request.

Media Contacts:
Jean McCawley / SJS Foundation
303-635-1241
sjsupport@sjsupport.org