What is the name of the UNCG sophomore that is kept alive by an invisible bubble?
A young woman worked her way through the room, pausing to speak briefly with people hooked up to machines that separate the protein-filled plasma from their blood. “You know the story about the boy in the bubble?” she said by way of introduction. “Well, I’m the girl in the bubble.” Meet Brittany Mathews , one of about 250,000 people in the United States living with a primary immunodeficiency disorder. Her body doesn’t produce the antibodies needed to fight infections. Donated plasma provides a remedy — a temporary immune system. Growing up in Randleman, Mathews , now 19 , had to sit out during gym class and often missed school altogether. Last year, her high school graduation guest list included the doctors and nurses from the UNC Healthcare System who have taken care of her since she was a toddler. When she decided she wanted to live on campus when she enrolled at UNCG in the fall of 2008, doctors originally told her no because of her susceptibility to illnesses, even with treatment.
Meet Brittany Mathews , one of about 250,000 people in the United States living with a primary immunodeficiency disorder. Her body doesn’t produce the antibodies needed to fight infections. Donated plasma provides a remedy — a temporary immune system. Growing up in Randleman, Mathews , now 19 , had to sit out during gym class and often missed school altogether. Last year, her high school graduation guest list included the doctors and nurses from the UNC Healthcare System who have taken care of her since she was a toddler. When she decided she wanted to live on campus when she enrolled at UNCG in the fall of 2008, doctors originally told her no because of her susceptibility to illnesses, even with treatment. But Mathews persisted and spent her first year in a dorm. She’ll be a sophomore when school resumes this month. “Most 19-year-old college students don’t have any cares in the world,” Mathews said. “I had to consider, ‘Did I get my medication today? Do I have to go to the doctor tomo
