Khaliah's Journey with SJS/TEN

Khaliah's Journey with SJS/TEN


Awesome. Hilarious. Sassy.  Smart. Articulate. Unique. Lover of life.  Those are a few words that come to mind to describe Khaliah.  Once you meet her, you will never forget her!  Since she was a child, Khaliah has had this infectious smile and bubbly personality.  She attracts friends from all walks of life and will do just about anything to help another person.  She loves music, dancing, photography, mac & cheese and anything sparkly!

In May 2013, Khaliah graduated from Geogia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA with a BS in Communmity Health.   She was accepted into GCSU's Masters program in Health Promotion and began her studies in August 2013.  


Khaliah loved being independent!  She had her own apartment, was working 2 jobs, was an up and coming photographer, and was enjoying her life as a young adult.  Soon after starting her 2nd semester of grad school, Khaliah became ill after taking the prescription medication Lamotrigine.   Everything changed for Khaliah after taking this drug!

On Saturday, 1/18/14, she woke up covered in a purplish rash and blisters.  She had blisters inside her eyes, mouth, inside her palms and on the bottoms of her feet -- literally all over her body!  

At the hospital, Khaliah was diagnosed with Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS).   Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a potentially deadly skin disease that usually results from a drug reaction.   Another form of the disease is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).   Both forms of the disease can be deadly as well as very painful and distressing.

Khaliah was eventually transported to Grady Hospital's Burn Unit in Atlanta, GA.  Once at Grady, her diagnosis was upgraded to TEN because more than 30% of her body was affected.  Khaliah lost 85-90% of her skin.  Her face, neck, back and chest were affected the most.  She lost her hair as well as her finger and toe nails, eyebrows and eyelashes.  She had to have a tracheotomy, had to undergo weeks of hydro-therapy, and was sedated for almost six weeks.  Her eyes had to be treated by an Opthamologist, as SJS can cause eye problems, including blindness. 


After being in Grady's ICU/Burn Center for seven (7) weeks, Khaliah was finally well enough to go home.  She continues to be seen by a variety of doctors,  specialists, and therapists.   She also had to undergo six months of physical and occupational therapy where she had to re-learn how to sit, stand, walk, feed herself, etc.  Through God's grace and mercy, she's recovering, but still has a long journey before she returns to her old self.


Khaliah needs your help!
Make a contribution to help with Khaliah's recovery.  This fund was created to assist with Khaliah's medical and living expenses while she recovers from SJS/TEN. Let's help her get past this and on to recovery!  

Learn more about Khaliah's journey and recovery at www.khaliahshaw.com.

Thanks for all your kindness, love and support!

The Shaw Family