Surviving SJS: Documentary Film on Adverse Drug Reaction
- Depicts survivor of Stevens Johnson Syndrome; gives hope to others struggling with debilitating conditions -
LOS ANGELES – June 30, 2003 – Ground Hero Productions today announced the release of the documentary film “Surviving SJS.” The film chronicles the survival story of John Mowatt, a pilot who suffers from a severe adverse drug reaction known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Mowatt’s harrowing experience of contracting SJS from antibiotics taken following heart surgery is educational for patients and physicians as well as uplifting for those struggling with a debilitating illness.
SJS, also known as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), is a severe allergic reaction to commonly prescribed drugs, including antibiotics, anti-convulsants and painkillers, that leads to blistering of the skin and the moist surfaces of the body (e.g. lips, mouth, eyes, esophagus, stomach). An extremely painful disease, SJS commonly causes blindness and results in death in 10 to 30 percent of the cases. Because many physicians and emergency facilities are not familiar with the symptoms, treatment is frequently delayed, further exacerbating the condition.
“Surviving SJS” was produced by Ground Hero Productions, with Diana Cignoni as producer/director and Scott Fishkind as executive producer. Inspired by September 11th’s “Ground Zero,” Ground Hero Productions is a production company focused on inspirational stories of triumph over adversity and people who have beat the odds.
“After hearing about the devastating effects of SJS and John’s strength in surviving it, I wanted to make a film that would be both educational and inspirational,” said Cignoni.
Shot in Los Angeles, the film opens with scenes of blue skies and breathtaking views of the city from a helicopter in flight. Mowatt is in his final helicopter training flight when he has severe chest pains. After experiencing a near death experience and several surgeries, he is sent home with antibiotics. While recuperating, he gets weaker and soon discovers a rash that turns into burning blisters over his entire body. A dermatologist recognizes his condition as SJS.
Mowatt is eventually taken to the Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks. In the film, Dr. Peter Grossman explains that, “There was a high likelihood that John would not survive.”
Grossman continues: “The disease causes a removal of the protective layer of skin. It is as if you are getting a second degree burn over most of your body. The mechanism is different, but physiologically it is the same.”
SJS is estimated to effect three to eight people per million per year in the U.S. However, the frequency is likely higher since only one percent of adverse drug reactions are reported, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The Grossman Burn Center treats about four to five SJS/TENS patients each year.
The film also includes interviews with SJS survivor Marlene Kerber and founder of the SJS Foundation, Jean Farrell. After Farrell’s daughter Julie contracted SJS from an anticonvulsant drug, she started the Foundation to educate patients and physicians about this deadly condition.
The film is available for educational and media purposes. For more information, call 323-938-3117. More information on SJS is available at http://www.sjsupport.org.
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Media Contacts::
Diana CignoniValerie Chereskin
Chereskin Communications
760-942-3116
valerie@chereskincomm.com
Jean McCawley
SJS Foundation
303-635-1241
sjsupport@sjsupport.org