By Kimia Ameri and Aziz Ghafoor August 28th, 2026 Every medication has the potential to cause side effects, and although most people tolerate medications without issue, some individuals may develop a reaction affecting the skin. The term ''drug rush'' is often used broadly, but in reality, drug reactions exist on a wide spectrum. Some are mild, uncomfortable, and resolve once the medication is stopped, while others are rare, life-threatening medical emergencies requiring immediate hospitalization. Understanding the differences between common drug reactions and severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) can help patients recognize warning signs and know when to seek urgent medical care. Although Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are among the rarest drug reactions, they are also among the most serious. Common Drug Reactions Most medication-related skin reactions are mild and improve after the offending medication is discontinued. While they should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, they generally do not cause permanent damage. 1. Maculopapular (Exanthematous) Rash The most common type of drug reaction is a maculopapular (or exanthematous) eruption. It usually appears 1-2 weeks after starting a new medication and presents as widespread flat red patches with small raised bumps, most often beginning on the trunk before spreading to the arms and legs. These rashes are often mildly itchy but are typically not painful and rarely involve the mouth, eyes, or other mucous membranes. Most cases resolve within days to weeks after the medication is stopped. 1,2stopped. 1,2 2. Urticaria (Hives) Urticaria, commonly known as hives, consists of raised, intensely itchy welts that can appear within minutes to hours after taking a medication. The rash often changes location throughout the day and may be accompanied by swelling of the lips, eyelids, or face (angioedema). Although hives themselves are usually not dangerous, swelling involving the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of anaphylaxis require immediate emergency medical attention.¹ ,2 3. Fixed Drug Eruption A fixed drug eruption is a distinctive reaction that causes one or several sharply defined red or purple patches that repeatedly develop in the same location whenever the responsible medication is taken. After healing, these areas often leave behind dark discoloration of the skin. While uncomfortable, fixed drug eruptions are generally localized and much less severe than SJS/TEN. ¹ ,2 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) A small proportion of medication reactions belong to a group known as severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). Unlike common drug rashes, SCARs are medical emergencies because they may affect not only the skin, but also the eyes, mouth, internal organs, and immune system. Prompt recognition and immediate discontinuation of the offending medication are critical. 3 1. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) SJS and TEN are rare but potentially life-threatening reactions in which the immune system attacks the skin and mucous membranes. Symptoms often begin with fever, fatigue, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms, followed by the development of painful red or purple skin lesions that blister and peel. Painful sores commonly affect the mouth, eyes, nose, and genital area, and extensive skin loss may occur. 1,3,4 Doctors distinguish SJS and TEN based on the amount of skin detachment. SJS involves less than 10% of the body surface area, TEN involves more than 30%, and cases between these ranges are considered SJS/TEN overlap. Because these reactions can rapidly progress and affect multiple organs, patients typically require care in specialized burn units or intensive care settings. 1,3,4 2. DRESS Syndrome Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) is another severe delayed drug reaction. Unlike SJS/TEN, DRESS usually develops 2-8 weeks after starting a medication, making it one of the latest drug reactions to appear. Patients often develop a widespread rash together with fever, facial swelling, enlarged lymph nodes, abnormal blood tests, and inflammation of internal organs, particularly the liver. Recovery can take weeks to months, and careful long-term follow-up is often required.¹ ,3,5 3. Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) AGEP is characterized by the sudden appearance of hundreds of tiny, sterile pustules on red, swollen skin, usually accompanied by fever. Unlike DRESS, AGEP often develops within one to several days of starting the offending medication. Although the rash can appear dramatic, it usually improves rapidly after the medication is stopped and is generally associated with a better prognosis than SJS/TEN or DRESS.¹ ,3,6 How Is SJS/TEN Different? Although SJS/TEN may initially resemble a common drug rash, several warning signs distinguish it from more typical medication reactions. Feature Common Drug Rash SJS/TEN Skin is itchy Often Sometimes Skin is painful Rare Common Fever Uncommon Common Blisters Rare Common Mouth or eye sores Rare Common Skin peeling Rare Common Requires emergency care Usually no Yes One of the most important differences is that SJS/TEN is typically painful rather than simply itchy. Many patients experience skin tenderness before blisters even appear. Painful sores affecting the mouth, eyes, or genitals, together with fever or flu-like symptoms, should never be ignored, particularly if a new medication was started within the previous several weeks. 1,3. When Should You Seek Emergency Care? Most medication rashes are not emergencies, but you should seek immediate medical attention if a new rash develops after starting a medication and is accompanied by: Fever or flu-like symptoms Painful skin Blisters or skin peeling Painful sores in the mouth, eyes, or genital area Eye redness, pain, or changes in vision Difficulty swallowing or eating Rapidly spreading rash Feeling significantly unwell Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending medication can be lifesaving in severe drug reactions. Final Thoughts Most drug-related skin reactions are mild and resolve after the offending medication is discontinued. However, severe cutaneous adverse reactions such as SJS/TEN, DRESS, and AGEP are fundamentally different conditions that require urgent medical evaluation. Knowing the warning signs, particularly painful skin, mucosal involvement, fever, and blistering, can help patients seek care before these reactions progress. References 1. Del Pozzo‐Magaña BR, Liy‐Wong C. Drugs and the skin: A concise review of cutaneous adverse drug reactions. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2024 Aug;90(8):1838-55. 2. Crisafulli G, Franceschini F, Caimmi S, Bottau P, Liotti L, Saretta F, Bernardini R, Cardinale F, Mori F, Caffarelli C. Mild cutaneous reactions to drugs. Acta Bio-Medica: Atenei Parmensis. 2019 Jan 28;90(3-S):36-43. 3. Tempark T, John S, Rerknimitr P, Satapornpong P, Sukasem C. Drug-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions: insights into clinical presentation, immunopathogenesis, diagnostic methods, treatment, and pharmacogenomics. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2022 Apr 20;13:832048. 4. Watanabe H, Ogawa Y, Yamaguchi Y, Nakajima S, Mizukawa Y, Mushiroda T, Takahashi H, Fujiyama T, Sotozono C, Kaneko Y, Hasegawa A. Guidelines for the management of stevens–johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis 2025 supplement. The Journal of Dermatology. 2026 Feb;53(2): e88-101. 5. Calle AM, Aguirre N, Ardila JC, Villa RC. DRESS syndrome: a literature review and treatment algorithm. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2023 Mar 1;16(3):100673. 6. Thienvibul C, Vachiramon V, Chanprapaph K. Five‐year retrospective review of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2015;2015(1):260928.

In Canada, we often take pride in our universal healthcare system. When a medical catastrophe like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) strikes, the immediate hospital costs, such as the ICU stay, the specialized burn unit care, and the life-saving interventions, are largely covered. However, for survivors, discharge from hospital does not signal the end of the condition or financial burden. In fact, for many, it is just the beginning. While the acute phase is a medical emergency, the recovery phase is a financial one. From specialized vision care to the loss of professional stability, the "hidden" costs of SJS/TEN create a lifetime of economic strain that our current healthcare safety nets often fail to catch. Beyond the Hospital Walls: The Out-of-Pocket Reality SJS/TEN is a multi-system disease. Once the skin heals, the chronic sequelae begin to manifest in the eyes, mouth, and internal organs. In Canada, the "gaps" in universal coverage, specifically dental, vision, and outpatient medications, become significant hurdles. Survivors often face: - Vision Problems: Specialized scleral lenses, which are essential for many survivors to maintain sight and manage chronic pain, can cost thousands of dollars and are not consistently covered by provincial plans.1 - Dental Reconstruction: The mucosal damage can lead to severe dental decay and tooth loss, requiring extensive oral surgery and prosthetics.1 - Prescription Medications: Chronic dry eye drops, immunosuppressants, and topical treatments may result in high monthly costs for those for which provincial coverage is not available and without robust private insurance.2 The Geographic Burden: Travel and Tertiary Care Because SJS/TEN is exceptionally rare, expertise is concentrated in major urban tertiary centers (such as those in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal). For Canadians living in rural areas or smaller provinces, "recovery" involves frequent, long-distance travel. These costs like fuel, flights, hotels, and meals, are rarely subsidized, forcing some families to choose between financial stability and expert medical consultation.1 The Economic Ripple Effect: Work and Caregiving Recent international data highlights a sobering reality: SJS/TEN significantly impacts lifetime earnings and life expectancy.3,4 Research indicates that the lifetime healthcare expenditure is disproportionately high for survivors compared to the general population.4 In a Canadian context, this is exacerbated by: - Loss of Income: Prolonged hospitalizations and chronic pain often lead to extended leaves of absence or permanent disability.1,3 - Caregiver Burden: Family members often must reduce their working hours or quit jobs entirely to provide the intensive daily care required during the first year of recovery, as seen in other serious autoimmune conditions.5 - Psychological Support: The trauma of SJS/TEN is profound. Mental health services, which are largely private in Canada, represent a critical but expensive necessity for long-term survival.1 Rare diseases like SJS/TEN create a unique financial strain. The scarcity of specialists means survivors don't just pay with their health; they pay with their mobility, their careers, and their long-term financial security. A Call for Comprehensive Support Surviving SJS/TEN should not mean entering a cycle of poverty. While our public system saves lives in the acute phase, we must advocate for better coverage for the chronic phase. Recognizing SJS/TEN as a lifelong condition requires us to look beyond the ICU and ensure that vision, dental, and psychological care are accessible to every survivor, regardless of their postal code or insurance status.3,4 References Martin-Pozo MD, Williams EA, Bonnet KR, Kaffenberger BH, Schlundt DG, Phillips EJ. Recovering from stevens-johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. JAMA Dermatology. 2026 Jan;162(1):24-30. Dilokthornsakul P, Sawangjit R, Inprasong C, Chunhasewee S, Rattanapan P, Thoopputra T, Chaiyakunapruk N. Healthcare utilization and cost of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis management in Thailand. Journal of Postgraduate Medicine. 2016 Apr 1;62(2):109-14. Liu Y, Li Q, Chu C, Zhou Y. Insights into Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis lifetime burden: assessing life expectancy, healthcare costs and quality of life. British Journal of Dermatology. 2023 Nov;189(5):648-. Chiu YM, Chiu HY. Lifetime risk, life expectancy, loss-of-life expectancy and lifetime healthcare expenditure for Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis in Taiwan: follow-up of a nationwide cohort from 2008 to 2019. British Journal of Dermatology. 2023 Nov;189(5):553-60. Barber M, St-Pierre Y, Bernatsky S, Vinet É, Urowitz M, Gladman D, Peschken C, Hanly J, Legge A, Fortin P, Clarke A. The Forgotten Costs of SLE: Estimating Indirect Costs in a National SLE Cohort. InThe Journal of Rheumatology 2025 Jul 1 (Vol. 52, No. Suppl 2, pp. 18-18). The Journal of Rheumatology.

I was diagnosed in April of 2021 with SJS. I had started taking lamotrigine. I was on it for three weeks when I started to feel bad. It started with a high fever of 104. I went to the ER on April 16th, 2021, and all they did was test me for Covid. It was negative and they sent me home. The next day I did a televisit and that doctor put me on an antibiotic with sulfa in it. Two days later I went back to the ER feeling worse and getting a rash. Same thing tested me for Covid and sent me home. Of course that’s all you could have back then. On April 23, 2021, around 3:00 in the morning my husband called 911. I was totally out of it. Now my body is covered in blisters, I couldn’t see and was in excruciating pain. They did a biopsy on my belly and that confirmed I had SJS. They had to find an ICU bed in the burn unit and the closest one was in Galveston, TX which is 1 1/2 hours away from our home. It was the most painful thing I’ve ever been through and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I know if they caught it sooner, I may not have the eye issues I have but I also know that I didn’t have it nearly as bad as others. I just can’t imagine it being worse. I am a Flight Attendant, and I have been off for six months. I should’ve been off longer, but I needed to work to make money. It’s a challenge every day with my eyes but I and so blessed they healed as much as they did. My tear ducts are scarred, and I cannot cry or produce any moisture in my eyes. I am thankful for scleral lenses. They are uncomfortable to wear but not having them in my eyes is worse.

August is SJS Awareness Month and Stevens Johnson Syndrome Canada has an exciting lineup of events and activities planned throughout the entire month to bring our community together in awareness, education, and solidarity. Please refer to our August Calendar of Events for the full schedule of what is coming your way this month. Most importantly, mark your calendars for the SJS Awareness Fundraising Game Night taking place on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time. This is a free one-hour virtual event featuring live interactive games and SJS/TEN educational content open to everyone. Do not miss it — sign up today using the registration link below and join us for an evening of community, awareness, and meaningful impact. Stay connected with us throughout August for daily awareness content, survivor stories, and campaign updates. Together we are hope. Together we are healing. Together we are one community. 💙 Registration Link: Webinar Link: Click Here Click Here Upcoming Events 2026 Virtual Town Hall / Webinar Thu, Aug 27 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86973918683?pwd=Q More info RSVP Multiple Dates SJSC Support Group Wed, Oct 21 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86973918683?pwd=Q More info RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Week – A Heartfelt Thank You During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we proudly recognize and celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time, compassion, and expertise to support the SJS/TEN community. Your dedication is the heartbeat of SJS Canada. Because of you, we are able to provide support, raise awareness, and continue advocating for those impacted by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. We are deeply grateful for all that you do. Your commitment truly makes a difference. Thank you for being part of our community . Events Calendar August 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 3:30 PM SJSC Support Group 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 7:00 PM 2026 Virtual Town Hall / Webinar 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 We Need Your Support Today! Donate Past Events Multiple Dates Wed, Aug 19 SJSC Support Group / https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86973918683?pwd=Q Details Aug 19, 2026, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86973918683?pwd=Q +2 more Mon, Apr 20 Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 / Zoom Meeting Details Apr 20, 2026, 7:15 PM – 9:15 PM EDT Zoom Meeting +21 more Thu, Feb 26 Rare Disease Month Webinar / Zoom Details Feb 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom +34 more Multiple Dates Wed, Jan 21 SJSC Support Group / Virtual Zoom online Conference Details Jan 21, 2026, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EST Virtual Zoom online Conference See All Multiple Dates Tue, Dec 09 Elpizo Counseling / Zoom Meeting Details Dec 09, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Zoom Meeting See All Sun, Dec 07 December Benefits Concert / Virtual Zoom Event Details Dec 07, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST Virtual Zoom Event Join us for an unforgettable night of performances, fun and entertainment at our year end Benefits Concert. +17 more Sun, Dec 07 Save the Date Christmas Concert / Zoom Details Dec 07, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Zoom Thu, Aug 28 SJS Webinar- Global Connections / Online: Virtual Zoom online Conference Details Aug 28, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Online: Virtual Zoom online Conference +22 more Fri, Aug 15 SJS Virtual Move-A-Thon / Zoom Details Aug 15, 2025, 7:00 AM – Aug 17, 2025, 11:00 PM Zoom Join Us for the SJS/TEN Awareness Virtual Walk-a-Thon See All Mon, May 05 Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2025 / Zoom Meeting Details May 05, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Zoom Meeting +28 more Multiple Dates Wed, Apr 09 Elpizo Counseling / Zoom Details Apr 09, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT Zoom Tue, Feb 25 SJS Canada February Webinar / Zoom Details Feb 25, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom +70 more Wed, Jan 15 SJSC Support Group / https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82137370516?pwd=W Details Jan 15, 2025, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82137370516?pwd=W See All Multiple Dates Wed, Dec 18 SJSC Support Group / https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82137370516?pwd=W Details Dec 18, 2024, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82137370516?pwd=W Sun, Dec 08 Season of Hope Benefit Event / Virtual Zoom Event Details Dec 08, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST Virtual Zoom Event Join us for an unforgettable night of live performances, fun and entertainment at the Season of Hope Benefit. +14 more Multiple Dates Wed, Dec 04 ElPizo Counseling / https://2ly.link/20Ymj Details Dec 04, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EST https://2ly.link/20Ymj Thu, Aug 29 SJS Awareness Month Town Hall / Zoom Town Hall Details Aug 29, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Town Hall +26 more Thu, Jul 11 Games Night - Virtual Edition / ZOOM Details Jul 11, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM ZOOM Load More

Stevens -Johnson Syndrome Canada. SJS Support group. Learn about the disease that burns the body from the inside out. Promoting health by providing people suffering from SJS/TEN as well as their families and care givers with access to related counselling, support groups and information programs. Welcome to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Canada Providing support for survivors, family, friends, and caregivers in the SJS/TEN community Our Mission Our Goal, Vision & Commitment Our Events Register & Help Make Change Get Involved Volunteer, Participate, or Donate Upcoming Events 2026 Virtual Town Hall / Webinar Thu, Aug 27 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86973918683?pwd=Q More info Save spot Multiple Dates SJSC Support Group Wed, Oct 21 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86973918683?pwd=Q More info Save spot Join the Circle of Hope Give Monthly. Create Lasting Impact. Every month, your generosity helps SJS Canada support survivors of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) through advocacy, awareness, and education. By joining the Circle of Hope, you become part of a compassionate community that ensures no survivor faces their journey alone. Whether you give $5, $10, $20, or more, your steady support provides strength, stability, and hope all year long. Join today and make your impact last. Become a Monthly Donor Read More Donate Monthly Subscribe to Our Newsletter First Name Last name Email Sign Up At SJS Canada, we are committed to promoting health by providing those affected by SJS/TEN, as well as their families and caregivers, with access to counseling, support groups, and information programs. Read About the Center Jane G. I am now a part of a group of survivors from many places who zoom and talk, email, and encourage and support each other on a regular basis. It is a valuable asset in my post SJS overlapping TEN day to day feel good moments, a place to gather knowledge, ask questions and listen to others. Peace and love. ✌️🌸 Testimonials See all Donate Today Donate to Make a Difference. Your donation is crucial to our mission of supporting patients and their fa milies who are affected by SJS/TEN. Donate Now

Meet The Team Founder/President Founder & President Sonia Whyte-Croasdaile Sonia Whyte-Croasdaile RPN, RSW is a wife, mother, nurse, Registered Social Worker, a trained Relaxation/Life Coach, and the Founder and President of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Canada. She is experienced in ... Read More Board of Directors Co-Chair Strategic & External Lead Sanjay Kumar Sanjay Kumar is a Sariel Entpreneure. His expertise includes Digital Marketing, IT Consulting Services, and Managing cross-functional teams. Sanjay helps enterprises ... Read More Board Member | Medical Advisor Dr. Bruce Carleton Dr. Bruce Carleton has over 30 years of experience in clinical pharmacology and investigating the safety and effectiveness of drugs used in both children and adults. He is the founder and CEO... Read More Board Member Sonia Bromfield-Cornish Sonia Bromfield-Cornish has been a practicing pharmacist for over 25 years, working across various sectors of the industry, including Community Pharmacy, Hospital Pharmacy, Compounding ... Read More Member at Large/Secretary Coleen Lambert Coleen Lambert is a licenced Financial Broker and Coach. Prior to building her own Financial Services and Financial Coaching company in 2020, Coleen worked as a Legal Professional for more than 16 years in various areas... Read More Board Member Phatay Waraich Phatay is a Vendor Manager with TD Bank within the technology team. He has had various roles within the financial industry from procurement and third party risk management to... Read More Co-Chair – Governance & Operations Lead Dr. Karen Worthy Dr. Karen Worthy is a Professor at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. Dr. Worthy has a 28-year history in professional nursing and has been a nurse educator for 19 years. She received an ADN, BSN, MSN, MPH, a Graduate Certificate in Leadership Studies,... Read More Patient Representative Jeremy Falk My name is Jeremy Falk and I live in Los Angeles. In 2005 I had a bacteria staph infection. After taking two weeks of a 21-day supply of Bactrim (a Sulfa-based antibiotic), my eyes and throat started to feel inflamed and irritated. I went to ... Read More Board Member Dr. Michele Ramien Dr. Ramien is a hospital-based academic dermatologist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital who is board-certified in both Canada and the United States. A first-generation... Read More Medical Advisors Dr. Bruce Carleton PharmD, FCP, FISPE Dr. Bruce Carleton has over 30 years of experience in clinical pharmacology and investigating the safety and effectiveness of drugs used in both children and adults. He is the founder and CEO... Professor and Chair Division of Translational Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine University of British Columbia Director Pharmaceutical Outcomes Programme BC Children’s Hospital Senior Clinician Scientist BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute Vancouver Dr. Elizabeth J. Phillips MD, FRCPC, FRACP, FIDSA, FAAAAI Dr. Elizabeth Phillips is a physician-scientist clinically trained in infectious diseases, immunology, and clinical pharmacology who has established new clinical and research programs in drug hypersensitivity... Professor of Medicine, Dermatology, Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology John A. Oates Chair in Clinical Research Director, Center for Drug Safety and Immunology Director, Personalized Immunology, John A. Oates Institute for Experimental Therapeutics Vanderbilt University Medical Center Professor of Pharmacology Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Coordinators Francene Francis Administrative Assistant to the President Francene has served in this capacity since 2022. She has a personal stake in the organization as a close family member has persevered and survived the onslaught of the illnesses and still continues to live with the aftereffects. Alongside the President, Francene is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the organization and ensuring that the President's visions for SJS Canada are carried out to the best of our volunteer capacity. Larba Ouedraogo Web Developer and Team Coordinator I worked as a Senior Audiovisual Technician before moving to the USA, where I completed a Master's degree in Mass Media and Strategic Communications. I volunteered with different organisations, such as Education Without Borders (EwB). At SJSC Canada, I manage the website development, lead the website team, ensure compliance, and improve user experience. I am using technology for better health outcomes. Fey Chukwuelue Patient Support Coordinator Fey Chukwuelue serves as the Patient Support Coordinator at Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Canada. With an educational background in Nursing and Public Health, Fey is dedicated to connecting with survivors, providing compassionate guidance, and helping navigate health resources for patients and families affected by SJS/TEN. Fey is passionate about advancing patient advocacy, health education, and building a supportive community across Canada. Jenna Mistry Patient Support Coordinator TBA Mawish Masud Volunteer Coordinator I serve as a Volunteer Coordinator with SJS Canada, where I recruit, onboard, and support volunteers to ensure meaningful and positive engagement. I maintain structured systems to track volunteer roles and hours, collaborate with program leads to align volunteer resources with organizational needs, and help organize appreciation initiatives that strengthen retention and morale.With over six years of experience in operations and quality within automotive and service environments, I bring expertise in ISO 9001 compliance, internal audits, vendor development, and process improvement. My background in documentation management and cross-functional coordination allows me to build efficient, well-organized systems that support both people and programs. I am committed to fostering strong community relationships while delivering structured and results-driven support. Khushi Sharma Fundraising Coordinator Khushi is currently an Honours Biology student at York University with a strong interest in healthcare, community service, and nonprofit initiatives. She is passionate about community service/advocacy, and has experience supporting nonprofit organizations through education, and meaningful community engagement. She is proud to help advance SJS Canada's mission of supporting patients, and increasing awareness of SJS and TEN. As a Fundraising Coordinator at SJS Canada, Khushi supports the planning and coordination of fundraising initiatives, assists with donor outreach and event logistics, and helps develop resources that strengthen the organization's fundraising efforts. In her free time, Khushi enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and going on walks with her dog! Jessica Chan Bookkeeper Coordinator Jessica joined SJS Canada as a bookkeeping coordinator back in October 2025. Her role with SJS Canada involves managing bookkeeping functions and preparing financial reports for the board in a timely manner. Jessica is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has 3+ years’ experience in public practice specializing in US tax and Canadian tax. She made the switch and went into industry a couple of years ago and is now working as Manager of Financial Reporting for the health authority on Vancouver Island. Jessica was born and raised in Toronto, but she met her husband and moved to the west coast to start a family and a new career. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga and going for hikes with her family. Advisory Committee Karen Worthy PhD, MPH, RN, CNE, CNEcl Dr. Karen Worthy is a Professor at the University of South Carolina College of Nursing. Dr. Worthy has a 28-year history in professional nursing and has been a nurse educator for 19 years. She received... Read More Vincent Cornish Vincent Cornish, FICB. Vincent is a “Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers”. He obtained his FICB designation through extensive studies at: York University, TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University – formally Ryerson University)... Read More Lorna Baker Lorna has been a Registered Nurse since 1996 and served as a Community Health Nurse from 1997 to 2010. Following this, she held the position of Certified Diabetes Educator at Unison Health and Community Services from... Read More