Hi, my name is Kara Coraccio. I am running this LFEBridge on behalf of my mom, Kathleen McCarthy (some of you may know her as Kathy, or Kate). In early June, Kathy had oral surgery and was given the antibiotic Augmentin (amoxicillin). She expressed her reservations about taking it to the doctor because when she was a child she had an allergy to penicillin, which is in the same drug family. About a week later, she had not responded to my calls or texts in several days, which was unusual, so my aunt (Kathy's sister, Carol) and I got in touch with a local friend to do a wellness check on June 18, as she lives alone. Kathy was found in her apartment with a 105-degree fever and barely conscious. It is believed she had collapsed and been on the floor for 3-4 days. She was treated in the ER at Kent Hospital and diagnosed with a severe reaction to the amoxicillin which led to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome , a rare and serious, systemic reaction to a drug. SJS affects the skin and mucous membranes (such as the mouth and throat) and causes very painful, chemical burn-like wounds, rashes, and widespread skin peeling. She was transferred to the Rhode Island Hospital Burn Unit and was hospitalized for nearly three weeks. She experienced severe pain and was on constant IV fluids as she was unable to eat or drink. From both the SJS and lying on the floor in her apartment for days, she required physical and occupational therapy. Kathy spent another two weeks at a nursing home receiving therapy to be able to walk and move around without assistance. She finally came home July 20 and is receiving daily wound care, personal care and physical therapy. The effects of SJS are long-lasting, and while she has come a long way, she is still in near-constant pain from the wounds it left, is unsteady on her feet and is unable to walk long distances. This medical emergency also has left Kathy unable to work, and she will be unemployed for months to come. In addition to the medical bills, she is facing other financial obstacles. As she lives alone, she is unable pay the rent and utilities at her apartment and faces eviction. Her car recently was repossessed, leaving her with no transportation once she regains her strength. She will also be responsible for any costs associated with the repossession and/or later auction of the car. We are awaiting approval of Temporary Disability payments for her, however these payments are not immediate and will not cover all her expenses related to this emergency. While our family is doing everything we can to help her through this, the costs go far beyond our means to cover them. As I'm sure many of you know, my mom is a very proud person who doesn't like to ask for help. She has helped many others in the communities, and many of you have already asked how you can return the favor and help Kathy in this time of need. I know she wouldn't hesitate to support someone else in this position. Kathy, Carol, and I truly appreciate everyone who has checked in, asked how they can help, kept her company in the hospital and rehab, and even just offered an ear to listen. This past month has been unfathomably difficult for all of us, physically, mentally, and financially, and we genuinely cannot thank you all enough for the outpouring of love and support. We still have a long way to go, but my mom has an endless list of people who love and care for her, and with this support we know she will recover. Much appreciation and love, Kara
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