Two-time cancer survivor couldn't chug water after eating a friend’s swordfish dish — doctors stunned by a rare case they may never see again
Trying out new food can sound exciting, but sometimes things may go wrong in unexpected ways. Two-time cancer survivor Trinity Peterson-Mayes was invited to a homemade fermented swordfish meal, which at first "tasted horrible." A few days later, when the 24-year-old fell sick, she was unable to drink water, which prompted her to be admitted to the hospital. However, what the doctors diagnosed was a rare condition that most physicians go their entire careers without encountering. Reported by 12 News on Friday, March 13, 2026, the woman revealed how she fought the rare and life-threatening illness.
The meal was supposed to be healthy, and the worst Peterson-Mayes initially expected was a bad stomachache. As days passed, Peterson-Mayes was unable to chug water as it was going down the wrong pipe. She rushed to the hospital after choking on a sip of coffee, but doctors were unable to figure out what was wrong. When they advised her to return home, she was not convinced. She was later transferred to St. Joseph's Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute, where doctors diagnosed her with botulism, a condition caused by a toxin produced by bacteria that can disrupt the chest muscles responsible for breathing.
The wedding planner's condition soon worsened as she was placed on a ventilator. When she woke up, she had three IVs and a central line in her neck, with an NG tube. She was administered an antitoxin, which slowly helped with her recovery. According to emergency physician Dr. Frank LoVecchio, the bacteria causing botulism can grow in low-oxygen environments, such as improperly canned foods. "Botulism is extremely rare, and most emergency physicians go their whole career without seeing a case," he said. The bacteria had caused paralysis of her chest muscles, which were responsible for breathing.
During the treatment, she was unable to walk or talk properly. According to the World Health Organization, botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can be contracted due to improper storage of food, especially in fermented foods. Botulism can cause intense fatigue, dry mouth, blurred vision, and difficulty speaking or swallowing, which are among the early signs.
Along with Peterson-Mayes, two other friends among the six of them who had the swordfish meal were also diagnosed with the illness. The doctor also revealed that foodborne botulism occurs rarely, with the U.S. witnessing only about two dozen cases per year on average. While Peterson-Mayes's friends have recovered, she is expected to be discharged in a week; however, it might take her a few months to recover completely. But the Valley woman is no stranger to illnesses. She had previously survived childhood cancer twice. Her mother has currently launched a GoFundMe page for her medical expenses. Peterson-Mayes says she will likely avoid seafood for a while.