In an effort to help alleviate the medical costs incurred, a fund has been set up to help cover the health expenses of a Binghamton University student who fell ill while studying abroad this semester.

While studying in Salamanca, Spain, junior philosophy, politics and law major Mayra Rodriguez contracted bacterial meningitis on Jan. 26, three weeks after her arrival in the country. Less than 24 hours after visiting a doctor and complaining of severe headaches, Rodriguez fell into a coma for five days.

Rodriguez’s parents flew to Spain immediately to be with her. She was air-lifted back to the United States on Feb. 21 and taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. She was then transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital on Feb. 26 for recovery.

‘One can only be hopeful that she will make progress. She’s been making minute progress every day,’ said Rodriguez family friend and Mayra Fund coordinator Penny Judelson. ‘She doesn’t have her hearing or her vision ‘ whether she understands us is questionable. She’s also been able to make a few utterances.’

In addition to the fund, Rodriguez’s friends have been making efforts to raise more money and create awareness about her condition.

Judelson’s daughter Amanda, a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, held a party in Rodriguez’s honor and was able to raise nearly $700. Mother and daughter have also set up an online blog detailing Rodriguez’s illness and post news articles and updates on her condition.

Rodriguez’s friends at BU have also been campaigning for the Mayra Fund.

‘Mayra and her family have a very tough road ahead of them,’ said junior English major and close friend of Rodriguez, Rachel Barrocas. ‘Any donations will be greatly appreciated to help defray all of the hospital bills. Hopefully enough donations can be raised to get her the best medical care so she can then make a full recovery.’

According to the National Institute of Health, early symptoms of bacterial meningitis include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, vomiting and lethargy. The disease progresses rapidly and can set-in in as few as 12 hours. In approximately 10 percent of the cases, the disease is fatal.

‘The early symptoms of bacterial meningitis are very similar to those of a head cold or flu except for the severe headaches. This can make it tricky to identify early on,’ Judelson said. ‘She’s lucky she’s pulled through. She’s a survivor.’

Friends of Rodriguez emphasize the need to stay optimistic and describe how much she is missed here on campus.

‘She’s just the sweetest person I’ve ever known,’ said junior psychobiology major Allison Tripp, also a friend of Rodriguez. ‘She loves her friends, she loves her boyfriend and she loves her family. Those were always the most important things in Mayra’s life.’

To make a donation to the Mayra Fund, please send a check to:

P.O. BOX 89

White Plains, NY 10605-0089

To keep updated on Mayra Rodriguez’s condition, visit http://mayrasprogress.blogspot.com/