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Hi everyone,
I'm writing this on behalf of our sister, Shaniece Edwards, who is going through a terrifying and life-changing medical crisis. What started as back pain has turned into something none of us could have imagined.
A few weeks ago, she went to the Emergency Room because of pain in her lower back and tailbone. Doctors told her it was just arthritis, gave her pain medication, and sent her home. But her pain didn’t go away—it got worse every single day. She returned to the ER twelve days in a row, hoping someone would listen. Despite her worsening condition, she was repeatedly dismissed. Even after a scan, they missed the early signs of a dangerous infection.
What they didn’t catch was an abscess (a deep, infected pocket of pus) that had started at the top of her tailbone. It rapidly expanded into a massive, horseshoe-shaped infection, wrapping around the lower part of her body. By the time it was found, it was already doing serious internal damage.
On day 13, unable to walk and in excruciating pain, our mom called 911. She was rushed to the hospital and immediately taken into surgery where she was finally diagnosed with:
- Fournier’s Gangrene – a rare, fast-spreading, flesh-eating infection in the perineal area that required emergency surgery.
- Severe kidney infections in both kidneys, causing fever and inflammation.
- A painful kidney stone on the left side.
- Extremely high blood sugar, which is making it harder for her body to heal and causing constant bloating, fatigue, and stomach issues.
- An enlarged liver, adding painful pressure to nearby organs.
- A possible diverting ostomy, a surgical procedure to reroute waste and allow her body to heal.
Prior concerns, signs, and symptoms were missed repeatedly, while she was slowly becoming septic, which in turn led to her above diagnosis. She has already undergone four emergency surgeries, with more still ahead—including reconstructive surgeries to repair the extensive damage caused by the infection.
She is currently still in the hospital, and as of now, there is no set date for discharge. Every day since, the list of complications has grown, and her road to recovery has become longer and more difficult. She is unable to work, and the financial burden is growing every day. Between hospital bills, medical supplies, future surgeries, and basic living costs, the road ahead is overwhelming.
We are asking for your support. Donations will help cover, but not limited to:
- Medical bills and surgical procedures to offset what her insurance will not cover.
- Supplies for wound care and recovery
- Home health support when she is discharged
- Transportation to appointments and follow-ups
- Daily living expenses
- Emotional and mental health support
Even if you can’t donate, please share this page. Every bit of awareness helps, big or small.
Thank you for your compassion, kindness, and support. You’re giving our sister a fighting chance at recovery and hope.
With love and gratitude,
The Family
Organizer and beneficiary
Shaniece Edwards
Beneficiary