Danielle’s GBS Fight & Recovery

My name is Danielle and I was diagnosed with an extremely rare illness called Guillain Barré Syndrome in May of 2019 days before my 32nd birthday. I lost my ability to walk, and endured constant and painful neuropathy pain as the syndrome began paralyzing me from the feet up. Luckily the amazing doctors at UMass diagnosed me before my lungs were paralyzed and I had to be intubated. I spent 7 days in the hospital getting IVIG infusions to stop the progression and was then transferred to inpatient rehab where I began re-learning how to walk, how to use my hands, how to close my eyes without tipping over. To put it in perspective, while in rehab I read a chapter in a book and was asked to walk down a hallway. I couldn’t do it. My brain was so tired from concentrating solely on reading that it couldn’t give anymore energy. I have returned home but my insurance would only Pay for a certain number of OT/PTvisits. The timeline for recovery can be up to a year, if full recovery happens at all. This means I cannot work... and my amazing boyfriend and I just bought our first home not even a year ago. Every day I get stacks of bills that have added up to over $10,000 after insurance. The love of my life works extremely hard to provide for the both of us right now, and it breaks my heart. It truly does. I have waited months thinking about making a go fund me page as we wanted to exhaust every option before having to ask people for help monetarily as we pride ourselves on working hard, saving money, and living a life we love by doing it on our own! It’s gotten to the point where I’m not sure I have any other choice or options and we really need the help. If you’ve taken time to read this, I appreciate that more than words can describe. The support system we have around us has gotten us through this year and my heart could not be more grateful. There are no words that can show my gratitude. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask me. Keep in mind all donations will be going to medical bills, mortgage payments and future copays. Humbly and with All my love, Danielle and Bob