Area residents participate in fundraising efforts after single mom develops an adverse reaction to prescription medication

EAST DUNDEE — Several residents from surrounding communities have come together in support of a single mom who had to be transported to a hospital shortly after taking a medication she was prescribed.

On Sept. 12, Emily Herbert was rushed to the hospital after the symptoms she was experiencing, progressively grew worse. Doctors were eventually able to diagnose her with a rare and serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes called Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

SJS is caused by a reaction to a medication and begins with flu-like symptoms. It is then followed by a painful rash that spreads and blisters, according to the Mayo Clinic. The affected top layer of skin dies and sheds as the healing process begins, which could take several days.

Hubert was airlifted to a Chicago hospital, where they are better equipped to deal with SJS and have a specialist who deals with those specific kinds of conditions. She has spent the last few weeks recovering in the ICU burn unit, according to Hubert’s family.

While in the hospital, Hubert has dealt with various complications as a result of SJS and has undergone painful treatments to aid with the healing process.

In a recent update, her family members stated that despite having developed a high fever because of a sepsis infection a couple of days ago, overall, Hubert is doing much better in terms of her level of pain.

Her family hopes that she will be able to come home this weekend. However, they noted that Hubert will still require extensive follow-up doctors’ appointments.

“Emily is also a single, hardworking mom who was also starting a new job on the same day this all transpired,” stated her family on the Go Fund Me account they created. “The financial burden is the last thing she needs to worry about at this time.”

While it is uncertain what Hubert’s future will look like for the time being, area residents have been busy trying to find ways to help the mother of a 3-year-old daughter.

On Oct. 16, a fundraiser event will be held at Diamond Jim’s bar and grill located at 325 Meier Street in East Dundee. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The goal is to raise additional funds to help Hubert with her hospital bills and other needs.

However, those who are unable to attend the event can donate to Hubert’s Go Fund Me account, which can be found by visiting gofund.me/e2fa8c51.

As of Oct. 6, Hubert’s Go Fund Me has managed to raise over $21,000 of its $25,000 goal.