Skye and I have set up this gofundme page to support Emma Miller and her family as she battles a rare and heartbreaking syndrome.

Up until a month or so ago, Emma was a relatively healthy 45 year old, living a relatively normal life.

On Tuesday 12th November after days of numbness, vertigo, headaches, dizzyness, and tingling in her hands and feet Emma attended emergency at Shepparton hospital where she was diagnosed with bells palsy and sent home.

By Wednesday evening Emma was unable to walk without assistance and an ambulance was called. By the time the ambulance arrived Emma was unable to transfer from the couch to a wheel chair. After being taken to and admitted at Wangaratta Hospital, tests were run for MS and stroke but all were negative.

By Thursday evening Emma was numb from the waist down and on Friday morning she underwent surgery for a lumbar puncture and whilst results were abnormal there was no diagnosis. Emma's symptoms continued to get worse and by Saturday Emma was paralysed from the neck down and was going down hill drastically so she was airlifted to Melbourne where she was intubated and put into an induced coma.

After 5 days at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Emma was diagnosed with guillain barre syndrome a debilitating condition in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.

Recovery from GBS can take months or even years. For most people the condition will usually plateau after four weeks, and then recovery will take between 6 to 12 months and up to 3 years. Although most people recover fully RMH have prepared the family to understand that Emma will be in hospital for several months, she will then need to endure intensive rehabilitation. Physio, speech and an OT so that she can learn to walk, talk, care for herself and eat again. She may also need the ongoing support of mobility aids.

Emma is a much loved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She is giving and loyal to a fault. She is strong, stubborn, determined and a fighter. All of which will overcome this beast of an illness.

The money raised through this page will support Emma's parents to be at her side. Currently they drive 400 kms most days to care for her. The funds will allow them to be close to Emma all the time. By finding cheap accomodation near the hospital, they will be able to rest and support Emma. The money will also be used to access equipment, medicine and all the supports Emma needs to get better.

Thank you for reading. We really appreciate your support.