Elary's battle with Guillain-Barre' Syndrome

Hi, we have started this fundraiser for my brother Elary and his girlfriend, Caitlin.

-Elary was recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (GBS). He cannot walk or move his upper limbs without great difficulty and assistance. His symptoms started with an inability to grip with his hands followed by feet/leg weakness where he was unable to walk. This began Thursday (August 4th) and by the following evening, he was admitted to Swedish Hospital in Seattle.

-GBS is a rare condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system, damaging nerve cells. It is a collection of symptoms including weakness and numbness starting in the hands/feet the spreading to your limbs. Without treatment, it can cause paralysis.

-Treatments consist of special transfusions and immunoglobulin therapy. Elary is currently at this stage.

-Long term physical therapy is needed initally at an acute rehab center, followed by either discharging to an assisted nursing facility or being discharged home. In both cases he'll need long term, in-home physical therapy and occupational therapy to regain movement and strength in his limbs.

-Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome will recover from most of their symptoms within 6 to 12 months. But it can take several months to several years to fully recover from the nerve damage.

-Elary will be unable to work for an undetermined length of time due to limitations imposed by GBS. Elary and Caitlin will need to move into a new apartment that is more physically accessible for him as their current place has too many stairs and is not safe for him to return to once he is discharged from rehab.

We feel this fund will help with their current need to help them with housing/moving related costs as well as their monthly bills until Elary can return to work. There will also be unforeseen medical bills in the future.

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated, even if it's just passing this along to friends and family to help gain notice. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.