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We are trying to raise funds to support a friend who has befallen very tough times recently, and has had to put his studies on hold this semester to tend to his health. Julian Barriga is a Freshman at UNCW. He majors in International Business, has a 3.3 GPA, and is a beloved member of Psi Delta.
The night of March 15th, Julian got very sick of seemingly unknown causes with a fever, cold sweats, and bouts of vomiting. The next day, he also developed a cough and sore throat. COVID-19 tests came back negative, but Julian's symptoms were similar, so he was quarantined on campus before returning home. After symptoms persisted for days, doctors tested Julian again for COVID, as well as for strep, mono, and the flu. All of these tests came back negative, and Julian's health was declining rapidly. Doctors continued to run tests on Julian, but swelling in his liver and spleen limited what they could do in the mean time. Julian was in a lot of pain. For nearly a week, holding down food, using the bathroom, and taking a shower were major difficulties. Due to his condition, he could only take small amounts of Motrin and anti-nausea medicine.
On March 22nd, Julian was released from the hospital, as his symptoms had somewhat subsided. Test results came back showing that Julian had contracted the Epstein-Barr virus as well as Hepatitis A, and it was concluded that the origin of the infection was contaminated food. Complications from both viruses then caused Julian to develop bacterial bronchitis, and his whole body to break out in hives. Luckily, the swelling in Julian's spleen and liver has subsided, and his condition is beginning to improve. However, the illness has taken a toll. Fighting the illness has caused significant declines in bone density, muscle mass, and liver efficiency. Doctors predict that it will take at least 6 months for Julian's body to recover with no exercise and a limited diet.
As you can expect, the care that Julian needed is expensive. His bill has accumulated to over $8k so far. None of us is a virologist, so we figured the best way we can help Julian and his family is by softening the financial impact of his illness. Please join us in helping Julian by donating (any amount helps) and sharing this page with family and friends.
"I am thankful for my parents for taking major care of me and for all my brothers and friends that have looked out and worried about my health. I am also thankful for my PCP and the nurses that did a good job of getting me rapid care. I look forward to being healthy again and never plan on taking my health for granted."
-Julian
The night of March 15th, Julian got very sick of seemingly unknown causes with a fever, cold sweats, and bouts of vomiting. The next day, he also developed a cough and sore throat. COVID-19 tests came back negative, but Julian's symptoms were similar, so he was quarantined on campus before returning home. After symptoms persisted for days, doctors tested Julian again for COVID, as well as for strep, mono, and the flu. All of these tests came back negative, and Julian's health was declining rapidly. Doctors continued to run tests on Julian, but swelling in his liver and spleen limited what they could do in the mean time. Julian was in a lot of pain. For nearly a week, holding down food, using the bathroom, and taking a shower were major difficulties. Due to his condition, he could only take small amounts of Motrin and anti-nausea medicine.
On March 22nd, Julian was released from the hospital, as his symptoms had somewhat subsided. Test results came back showing that Julian had contracted the Epstein-Barr virus as well as Hepatitis A, and it was concluded that the origin of the infection was contaminated food. Complications from both viruses then caused Julian to develop bacterial bronchitis, and his whole body to break out in hives. Luckily, the swelling in Julian's spleen and liver has subsided, and his condition is beginning to improve. However, the illness has taken a toll. Fighting the illness has caused significant declines in bone density, muscle mass, and liver efficiency. Doctors predict that it will take at least 6 months for Julian's body to recover with no exercise and a limited diet.
As you can expect, the care that Julian needed is expensive. His bill has accumulated to over $8k so far. None of us is a virologist, so we figured the best way we can help Julian and his family is by softening the financial impact of his illness. Please join us in helping Julian by donating (any amount helps) and sharing this page with family and friends.
"I am thankful for my parents for taking major care of me and for all my brothers and friends that have looked out and worried about my health. I am also thankful for my PCP and the nurses that did a good job of getting me rapid care. I look forward to being healthy again and never plan on taking my health for granted."
-Julian