Virtual Open Mic: Mary Harrison

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – Survival Story

Hello, my name is Mary and my life was changed on December 17, 2016. I am a burn survivor as a result of taking an antibiotic. I was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and had to be air lifted for treatment to the UNC Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. What seemed like a simple headache and fever, turned so drastically wrong on the day I took a prescribed medication for my symptoms of a common cold. I never knew I would incur 2nd & 3rd degree burns over 45% of my body, and would be on life support to keep me alive and be treated for my injuries. This life changing event came on so rapidly as I had only taken one dose of the antibiotic and never completed the entire prescription. I never had a chance to reverse this from happening to me. Never would I have imagined that my life would forever change due to a simple act that was supposed to make me feel better. Prior to this incident, I was very active in my family, community, work, and church activities. I was always the person to be helping and encourage others through my faith, and just because I love people. I was never the person in need, as I always found myself helping others. Well, this experience has allowed me the opportunity to help others, but in another way. With my recovery, I have shared my challenges of a burn survivor, victories, and encouragement with others. I am hopeful that others can see that through our adversities, we must strive to be in the new norm of life. Yes, I have scars and limitations with some things, but I am alive, and have my faith-based community and my family to thank for this. I received awesome support and encouragement from all that know me. Thank you for your prayers. I was blessed to have support from my co-workers who I've known and worked with over 20 years ago. That was so encouraging to know that others cared and were praying for me. My purpose is to bring awareness to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome burn injuries and hopefully get laws changed to require drug allergy testing during doctor visits. A simple allergy test could have saved me (and others) from this drastic change and near-death experience. I also hope to encourage other burn survivors that it gets better as time goes on. We must be positive about our experiences, the hurt, pain, and survival methods being used. We must have hope, and trust in a higher power. We will get through this, but it requires determination and resilience. Let's continue to support each other and press forward for change.

Thank you