Stevens Johnson Syndrome Leads to $350,000 Debt for Missouri Family

Hollister, MOThe uninsured family of a Missouri girl recovering from Stevens Johnson Syndrome now faces more than $350,000 in medical bills, according to the Springfield News-Leader.

span itemprop="image" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" style="display:block">The Mayo Clinic says that Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a condition that arises as a reaction to medication or infection. Those suffering from the disorder first experience flu-like symptoms before suffering from painful red or purple rashes that spread and blister. Ultimately, the condition results in the top layer of victims' skin dying and shedding.

Kaitlyn Fletcher, the 14 year old afflicted by the syndrome, suffered so badly from the disorder that blisters on her mouth prevented her from eating even via a feeding tube, resulting in her being fed intravenously. She is now recovering, although she still suffers from side effects of the condition like headaches and having her fingernails break off.

"The only medicine she took was Pepto-Bismol. I don't think we'll ever pinpoint what triggered it," Laurie Fletcher, Kaitlyn's mother, told the news source.

Due to their lack of insurance, the family is applying for a disability program that could help offset the cost of the medical bills accrued during the course of Kaitlyn's illness.