Oct 14, 2007 10:14 pm US/Central
Woman In Coma After E. Coli Infection From Meat
COLD SPRING, Minn. (WCCO) ―
A 20-year-old Minnesota woman is fighting for her life after being poisoned by E. coli from meat she ate at a family barbeque.
Senior pictures of Stephanie Smith reveal a young woman looking forward to the future.
"She's a gift to everyone. She loves children. She's great with dancing," said Stephanie's aunt and godmother Jane Thorseth.
In September, Stephanie's bright future became cloudy. Days after a family barbeque she complained of severe stomach cramps and was admitted to a St. Cloud Hospital on Sept. 28. Days later she lost her ability to speak.
As of Sunday night, Stephanie is in a medical-induced coma fighting to stay alive.
"She's on life support. She has oxygen, she has a feeding tube," said Thorseth.
Her family said E. coli is to blame. They say that Stephanie contracted the life-threatening bacteria by eating meat at that family barbeque in September. Her mother also showed symptoms, but got better. Stephanie did not.
Her family said state health officials are currently testing left-over meat they think Stephanie ate during that family get-together in September.
"I couldn't even hold it together. I kept crying at work and didn't know what to do. I wished there was something more I could do. I wish there was a magical cure I could give her," said friend Angel Hoffman.
For now, all family and friends can do is pray for the young woman who has a passion for dance. They hope the love they show Stephanie will help her pull through.
"I've always looked up to her and she's never given up on anything. She is an awesome person and I don't think anyone thinks she's not going to make it," said her cousin Breanna Thorseth.
Among those taking the news of Stephanie's health the hardest are her dance students. Stephanie is an instructor in Cold Spring and Paynesville, Minn. Many of her students have been lighting a candle and saying a prayer every night at 9:00 since she went to the hospital.
Two funds have been created to help with Stephanie's medical expenses.
Donations can be made to any Wells Fargo Bank. Donors can also send donations to the State Bank of Cold Spring, P.O. Box 415, Cold Spring, Minn. 56320.
A fundraiser is also being held on Nov. 4 in Cold Spring and the address is 103 River Oaks Drive.
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