Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Editor: Andy Childers & Brandon Smith
Profession: SJS Attorneys

Category: About Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Asher McGirt, a young sixth grader from Raleigh, North Carolina, is currently fighting for his life and dealing with the debilitating effects of Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS). Stevens Johnson syndrome is a debilitating and often deadly drug induced allergic reaction that causes one's skin to peel off in sheets and give the appearance that one was thrown into a very hot fire. Stevens Johnson syndrome's overall effects can be devastating and even cause one's premature death in up to 30% of those who develop it.

As illustrated by Asher McGirt's story, many times the reaction affects not only the skin but many other vital organs as well. In Asher's specific case, SJS has caused a need for a new set of lungs due the damage the drug induced reaction caused. As with all SJS reactions, early detection and prompt medical treatment are paramount to survival. Asher's experience like so many others diagnosed with SJS, is a very sad case where one can only hope he will soon receive the new set of lungs and treatment he needs to survive the unfortunate reaction. Let's all hope Asher will soon hear a loud beeping noise and will then be able to move forward in his path of recovery like so many others similarly situated are now traveling.