In 1996, McCawley’s then-11-month-old daughter Julie had a severe adverse reaction to seizure medication. Called Stevens Johnson Syndrome, or SJS, the condition is rare but life threatening. SJS presents with a rash on the skin that blisters over and peels away. Blisters also can form on mucus membranes such as the eyes and mouth, leading to dehydration, infection or vision problems. It caused McCawley’s young daughter to go blind.

McCawley had never heard of SJS but soon learned how more than 200 medications have been linked to SJS, such as anti-seizure medicines, ibuprofen and antibiotics. She set out to raise awareness of the condition so that other people wouldn’t suffer the way she and her daughter did.

In 1996, the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation was launched. It serves as a community forum for those who have been touched by SJS and provides information on treatments and research to help those who suffer long-term side effects of SJS.

As the recipient of ABC 7’s Extreme Makeover contest, McCawley receives $5,000 and her foundation receives $5,000. McCawley says she will use the foundation money to print and distribute more fact sheets about SJS to hospitals throughout the country.

The money she receives personally has already been spent, she says. She used it to purchase a new insulin pump for her youngest daughter, Kerry, who has Brittle Type I diabetes and Celiac’s disease. It will also cover the family’s mounting medical expenses. Julie had three eye surgeries last year alone and McCawley’s husband suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › SJS Foundation founder wins Extreme Makeover contest

According to mediafact.com, other medications have been linked to Stevens Johnson syndrome including Bextra, Celebrex and Daypro, as well as over-the-counter pain relievers such as Motion, Ibuprofen, Children’s Motrin and Advil.

One of the main issues with Stevens Johnson syndrome is the lack of awareness from the patients that are at risk and the doctors that prescribe the medication. In a 2007 press release from SmartBrief.com, Governor Bill Ritter, Jr., of Colorado, along with the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation, recognized August 2007 as the designated SJS Awareness month. Joining Colorado in recognizing this month were Arizona, Alabama, Connecticut and Tennessee.

According to the article, Stevens Johnson Syndrome affects more than two million Americans each year and has resulted in more than 140,000 deaths.

When prescribed a new medication, or even taking over-the-counter medication, educate yourself on Stevens Johnson Syndrome so you can identify the symptoms at the earliest possible stage.

SOURCE: Stevens Johnson Syndrome › Drug reactions bring awareness to Stevens Johnson Syndrome