Westminster, COLO - Julie McCawley, a 16-year-old Colorado native, attended Monday’s mentoring luncheon at the Colorado Governor’s Mansion as a nominee on behalf of the National Federation ofr the Blind. She was honored for the opportunity to have lunch with First Lady, Michelle Obama and presented both Obama and Jeanne Ritter commemorative Louis Braille coins in appreciation for their support of Braille literacy in public schools.
Julie is visually impaired as a result of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a severe allergic reaction to medication. Following her reaction, her mother spearheaded an online support group for SJS patients and their families, that has since grown into a non-profit organization with support groups located around the world.
“I think that Monday’s message was important for all of us to hear,” said Julie, “I knew that I have important mentors in my life, like my vision teacher Michelle Chacon, but I didn’t realize that I was already in that role for others. That is really empowering.”
Monday’s message found itself close to Julie’s heart, as she leads a digital support group for children who have experienced SJS and built the SJS Kids Web site, a page with age appropriate content about the reaction. Julie also mentors one of her classmates in Adams District 50, an 8-year-old visually impaired boy.
“Julie has demonstrated that despite the challenging obstacles and circumstances she has endured she is a very bright young woman who acts as a leader for others,” said Roberta Selleck, the Superintendent of Schools for Adams 50.
Julie is currently a junior at Westminster High School. She plans to continue mentoring others and intends to apply for college as a Vocal Performance major next year.
About Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a severe adverse reaction to medication. Adverse reactions account for approximately 150,000 deaths in the U.S. alone, making drug reactions the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. For more information about SJS please visit www.sjsupport.org or call the SJS Foundation at (303)635-1241.
