Please support Alessandra in her recovery

Hello, my name is Alessandra, I am a fourth-year international student at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and I am struggling financially because I am not able to work after a medical emergency that almost cost me my life.

Around April 25th I started to notice something was wrong with me; I wasn’t feeling well and symptoms of what appeared to be a regular flu started to be physically visible. Given that my symptoms were not improving, three days later, I paid my first visit to the ER where after being seen by a doctor, I was prescribed some basic medication and sent home. However, the next morning, my symptoms got even worse, and a rash expanded through my body; so, I decided to go back to the hospital. That’s when I realized that around the time the symptoms started, I was also taking another medication that was previously prescribed to me. The doctor warned me that the medication could cause a severe rash in some patients and, if I ever noticed an outbreak, I should run to the ER. That is what I did and after my third visit to the ER, I was admitted.

Unfortunately, on May 1st, I was moved to the ICU given that I was not improving, and the rash worsened, severely affecting my skin. The doctors had the difficult task of letting my parents know over the phone (they live outside of Canada) that I had to be intubated because my life was seriously at risk. I could not breathe because of how swollen my throat was and the rash had spread to other mucous membranes, becoming very painful, so I had no other choice. I said goodbye to my parents and my little brother over a phone call and while I was being sedated, I hoped and prayed that I was, eventually, going to wake up. Little did I know that I was going to spend the following thirteen days in the ICU completely sedated and unconscious. During this time, my skin went through traumatic changes, my body was under a lot of stress, and my family and friends lived in the uncertainty of not knowing if I was going to get better. It was a “one day at a time” type of situation. On top of that, my airways were not responding well to treatment, so I had to have a tracheostomy to prevent further damage. Thankfully, a few days later, I finally woke up and after spending a couple of more weeks at the hospital, I was released before the end of May. The doctors determined that my body’s reaction was a result of the medication previously ingested and I was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare and severe skin disorder that causes painful blisters and lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. It affects 1 to 2 per million people each year and even though almost everyone recovers from it, some people have long-term complications that affect their skin, eyes, and lungs, with a mortality rate that represents up to 10%.

As of today, I have been out of the hospital for almost three weeks and I am so grateful I was not part of that 10%. I am feeling better day after day and even though I am getting stronger, I am aware that my recovery journey is not over yet. SJS has temporarily impacted and limited my physical capacities, so I am not able to go back to work just yet. I am on medical rest until further assessment and indication from my doctor, which represents a big stressor for me because I have already missed a month and a half of work, and I don’t have a secure return date yet. Now, money is tight, and I still have expenses to cover, such as rent, utilities, groceries, medication, transportation, and phone bills. Additionally, one of the goals I had set for this year was to attend a study abroad program, so my plan for this summer was to work three jobs, so I could not only cover my current expenses but also afford my time abroad. While at the hospital, I received the amazing news that I was accepted by the partner university for this upcoming fall semester and as much as I am looking forward to it, I am aware that I do not have the financial means to support it. Because of the circumstances, I can no longer work the hours I originally planned, which means I won’t be able to raise the sum of money I need. I am hopeful everything will work out in my favor, but if I am not able to meet my goal, I unfortunately will have to decline their offer.

I must admit that what happened was one of the scariest experiences of my life, and it has changed me and my family forever. I have never been as grateful as I am today to be able to open my eyes every morning, breathe, and know I am still alive. If there is something I learned from this experience is that I am not ready to give up yet. I have many goals I want to accomplish. Studying abroad is one of them. That is why I've spent the last year and a half working for it. I am so close to getting there, but the unexpected circumstances have made the process harder. For that reason, it would mean the world to me if you could support me with whatever you can. The money I raise will help me to get back on track, cover my current monthly expenses, and cover a part of my studies abroad. I am sure I will go back to my regular lifestyle soon, but in the meantime, I require your help so I can focus on my recovery without stressing about the finances.