Keith Rella's Battle with Acute Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Dear Friends and Family of those we cherish and those yet unknown,

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. We are a group of friends raising funds for our dear friend, Keith Rella, who is facing the biggest obstacle of his life against one of the rarest neurological disorders known in medicine, Acute Guillain-Barre Syndrome (“GBS”).

Just four months ago, Keith was living a normal life as a husband and father. Suddenly, he began to experience arm weakness and within weeks, the disease had progressed so rapidly that he was bedridden, unable to move his arms or legs, and required a breathing and feeding tube. In short, he has been robbed of the simplest of freedoms we all take for granted. The disease has also thrust Keith into a relentless battle—pneumonia, blood clots, uncontrollable blood pressure, etc.. He has been in the hospital since early April, and we are unsure when he may be released.

Keith is 48 years old, married to his devoted wife Ann Marie, and blessed with two amazing children, Miles (13) and Mazey (10). Professionally, he has dedicated himself to public service, working for the Brick Township Municipal Government as the Public Information Administrator. He is also a spirited advocate of civic and environmental causes, an avid singer/songwriter/guitar player and volunteers his time coaching both soccer and basketball. He's affectionately known as Coach Rella around his town. To his friends, he is a brother and someone who consistently brings joy, who generously gives of himself without hesitation and who is always willing to lend a hand.

Despite the uncertainty of his condition, Keith has shown incredible strength, courage, composure and even his amazing sense of humor. Never once has he asked, “Why me?” When treatments failed, he thanked his doctors and whispered love to his friends. He wants everyone to know how Ann Marie has been a rock throughout this ordeal, trying to maintain normalcy for the kids through their school and outside activities.

But now, the family needs our help. Through additional experimental treatments, the goal is to find a way to have Keith come home. This will likely require essential modifications to their house to accommodate his condition, not to mention substantial out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance.

Today, we humbly ask that you consider donating what you can and share this page. Your support, whether through donations or spreading awareness means more than words can express. Our plan is to be unwavering in our support of the family through several fundraisers in the coming months and beyond. Hopefully, we can bring hope to Keith’s fight.

With heartfelt gratitude and love,

Mike Zurawski, Dave Najdzinowicz, Ryan Byrnes, Sam Giordano, Mike Calavano, Cass Hartelius, Chris Beck, Carl Zavattieri, Ron Angelo, Mike Byrnes, Leon Mowadia and Sean Clark.

P.S. This GoFundMe has been organized through Friends Helping Friends of NJ, a registered non-profit organization that has raised well over $800,000 in a span of eight years to support more than 20 families in need. Federal Tax ID available upon request.