The Lasting Consequences of Food Poisoning
When reports of Salmonella and E. coli tainted food emerge the public is rightfully shocked and demands it to be set right. Often what is lost in the morass of media reports and Food and Drug Administration advisories are the personal stories of suffering. Stephanie Smith, 21, became extremely ill more than a year ago after eating a hamburger tainted with E. coli. What few know is she now suffers from seizures, brain injury and paralysis. Here mother and brother are uncomfortable leaving her alone for fear she will hurt herself further. Her brother moved back from out of state to help care for her while her mother is at work. After physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as therapy specific for a brain injury, Stephanie is now able to eat on her own. Prior to her poisoning she was a determined and talented dance instructor. Even though she misses teaching dance she keeps a positive attitude. Stephanie’s family all step in when caring for her. Her care includes three hours daily therapy, heading out for medical checkups, bathing, and washing her bedding and mattress daily to keep her from infection. What often is missed is not only the time it takes to take care of someone who has been injured by a person or a company’s negligence, but the financial cost.
