Free Throws For Hope

Online, August 9, 2012 (Newswire.com) - To raise awareness for severe adverse reactions, like the one he experienced last spring, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis / Stevens Johnson Syndrome survivor Jonah Lake is presenting Free Throws for Hope, a 24-hour free throw challenge on August 24-25 at The Family Center of Gap. Less than 1 percent of all drug reactions in the United States are reported to the FDA yet severe allergic drug reactions account for over 100,000 deaths per year in hospitalized patients.

Jonah was diagnosed in February of this year and spent two weeks under intensive care followed by two weeks of recovery at Hahnemann University Hospital. Today, Jonah continues to struggle with the long term effects of the reaction including dry eye syndrome ,Permanent damage to soft palate and lips, Chronic Vitamin deficiency, Undiagnosed Arthritis symptoms, Chronic fatigue, Hyperpigmentation, Extreme sun sensitivity and Miliaria Crystallina.

"It took three trips to the emergency room and three hospitals before anyone could diagnose what was happening," said Lake. "I want to spread awareness about Stevens Johnson Syndrome so that others who experience these types of reactions can get treatment faster."

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are severe allergic drug reactions that are the result of nearly any medication, including over-the-counter products. SJS / TEN are characterized as including painful blistering of the skin with flu like symptoms. Most cases include severe ocular involvement resulting in vision loss, dry eye syndrome and photophobia. Left untreated, SJS and TEN can result in death.

"There was not a single day that went by without crying being in absolute agony, the worst pain you could ever describe," said Lake when describing his reaction. "Once I was finally diagnosed I was told that my chances of survival were very small because early diagnosis is so critical to the treatment process."

Free Throws for Hope will take place on August 24-25, during the annual Stevens Johnson Syndrome Awareness Month and funds raised throughout the event will be donated to the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation (aka Julie Foundation for Severe Allergic Drug Reactions). Over 15 states have proclaimed August as Steven's Johnson Syndrome Awareness Month, including Pennsylvania who issued a Unanimous Resolution naming August SJS Awareness Month.

"When my daughter was diagnosed with we were told that the likelihood of ever meeting another patient was rare," said Jean McCawley, Founder of the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation. "Today we have met thousands of patients and families around the world. Just because something is not tracked does not mean it is rare. We need to work together to educate our doctors and communities about the warning signs of adverse reactions so that more patients can receive treatment faster."

The Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides support services to SJS / TENs patients and their families while working to educate the medical community about adverse allergic reactions. Founded in 1995 the SJS Foundation works with patients and doctors around the world.

"SJS took the life of legendary basketball player Manute Bol in June 2010 and was sadly the first time many people had ever heard of the life altering reaction," said McCawley. "We are very grateful that Jonah has offered to share his passion for basketball in honor of those who have both lost loved ones or are struggling with the lasting effects of an adverse reaction."

Free Throws for Hope will be held at The Family Center of Gap:
835 Houston Run Drive
Gap, PA 17527
GPS Directions:
875 Brackbill Road
Gap, PA, 17527
(www.gapfamilycenter.org)

The first free throw will be shot at 5:00pm and the event will continue throughout the next 24-hour hours. Those interested attending or supporting the event may contact Jonah Lake at [email protected] or (717)490-1204.

About the Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation: The Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to bringing public awareness and research to adverse drug reactions that cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) through the use of prescription and over the counter medications. August is Stevens Johnson Syndrome Awareness Month. For more information about Stevens Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, please visit www.sjsupport.org or contact (303-635-1241).
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Media Contact:
Anne Farrell
SJS Foundation Board Member
Public Relations Coordinator
(720)296-3302
[email protected]