Dear For the Love of Grace,
Before I bgin my story I just want to say THANK YOU!!! Your organization helped us when we needed it most.
My son Jacob is 12 years old. He had pneumonia and we were told to give him tylenol and motrin. As it turns out, he has an allergy to motrin, one that can cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). This syndrome causes the mucous membranes to blister and sluff off. It effects eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals. Then it attacks the skin…causing painful blisters. There is no cure or vaccine for SJS and it can only be treated with supportive care.
Some children must spend time in the ICU, but we were lucky. Jacob spent 13 days in isolation. A surgeon grafted amniotic membranes to his eyes preventing blindness. The staff at Children’s did everything they could to keep him comfortable.
I only went home 3 times during his stay. My husband and I took turns by his bed day and night. We have two more children at home, we did our best to keep things normal for them.
The stress was physical, emotionals, and financial. When Jacob came home he still needed lots of care. I spent a total of 6 weeks away from work. Your organization helped pay our rent when we worried we could not pay. I’m not sure what we would have done without your help.
It has beena long road, but Jacob is back at school. His vision is improving and he is a normal 12 year old again. I wish no mother has to see her child suffer but I am glad people like you can help families like ours.
Thank you,
Rene