Laura Hayes-Meerman

Thank you for visiting Laura's site! My wife Laura has been in the burn trauma surgical unit at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Boston since Dec 30, 2016, when she was transferred by jet from the Albany Medical Center ICU. Laura fought valiantly for her life due to necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock resulting from a very aggressive Group A Strep infection. She needed substantial removal of necrotic tissue, including skin and muscle, to manage the infection and release of toxin. Laura overcame the initial infection and toxic shock, and her skin barrier has been largely restored through the great work of her treatment team at BWH, one of the premier burn units in the USA. 

This condition is very rare with a rate of less than 1:1,000,000 in previously healthy individuals like Laura. In part as a result of its rarity, it is extremely hard to diagnose, and due to the speed with which it progresses there is a high rate of mortality. Laura is lucky to be alive, which is a testament to the strength of her body and mind. 

Laura was discharged from BWH on Mar 25, and went directly home (551 Gardena Ct, Encinitas, CA 92024) to continue her healing. There is still a long road to recovery ahead, as Laura will require more surgeries to complete her skin grafting and restore range of motion to her right shoulder. We continue taking it one step at a time, and welcome all prayers, positive thoughts, cards and visitors! Thanks so much for all your support!