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This Is the Face of an Allergic Reaction to Prednisone (Complicated by RIME Syndrome.)

This is the face of my brother, Robert Medlock, a man who has always fought for the people he loves. Now, he’s fighting for something unimaginable: the ability to see again.

Prednisone allergies are rare, but in Robert’s case, they have led to a devastating battle, further complicated by RIME Syndrome (Reactive Infectious Mucocutaneous Eruption). RIME is a severe mucosal and skin condition that follows infections, particularly Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It primarily affects children and adolescents, but in Robert’s case, it has been life-altering.

It all started in April 2025, when Robert fell ill with pneumonia. A walk-in clinic prescribed Prednisone, unaware of the rare reaction it would trigger. Shortly after taking the first dose, Robert’s lips swelled. Within days, painful lesions developed inside and outside his mouth and then his eyes.

His first visit to the University of Washington Medical Center resulted in treatment and discharge, but his condition continued to worsen. When he returned days later, his vision had severely deteriorated. The lesions made eating nearly impossible, and he lost nearly 50 pounds in just weeks.

Desperate to save his sight, UWMC transferred Robert to Harborview Medical Center, where specialists placed blackout medicated contact lenses over his eyes. That was three weeks ago. As of today, May 20, 2025, Robert still cannot see. He still wears the medicated lenses, hoping to regain his vision. He still cannot work. And most heartbreakingly, he cannot care for his beloved son, Gunnar, who turns 8 this August.

RIME Syndrome generally has a good prognosis with supportive care, but for Robert, the road to recovery is long and uncertain. We are asking for support to help him through this unimaginable struggle. Funds will go directly toward his medical expenses, recovery efforts, and supporting his son during this difficult time.

Any donation, no matter how small, will make a difference. If you cannot give, simply sharing this campaign can help bring Robert closer to hope.

Thank you for standing with him in this fight.

Respectfully,

Dawnde Stephenson