Singer's Near-Fatal Battle with Flesh-Eating Disease

Singer Carolann Fowler, performing as Carolina East, experienced a near-fatal ordeal last year after contracting necrotizing fasciitis. Initially treated for cellulitis in November 2024, her condition rapidly worsened, leading to an emergency hospital visit. Diagnosed with the severe flesh-eating disease, Fowler's life hung in the balance, with medical professionals warning of a high probability of death or severe limb loss.

Following the diagnosis, Fowler underwent several urgent surgeries to combat the infection and spent four days in a coma on life support at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John's. Upon waking, her primary concern was her ability to sing. The recovery process, which lasted approximately seven months for her physical wounds to heal, involved extensive home care and physiotherapy. She currently manages an injury known as foot drop, a result of the surgery.

Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, Fowler has embraced a message of positivity and self-belief. Her resilience is reflected in her new album, described as vulnerable and cathartic, set for release in the spring. She is also scheduled for holiday performances across the island, marking a triumphant return to the stage and a renewed perspective on life.