Donate to Erin Wampole's medical recovery fund

Hi, my name is Jessica and I'm fundraising for my dear friend Erin Wampole.

Recently Erin was admitted to the Yakima Memorial Hospital with a diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). It happened out of the blue; last weekend she was enjoying summer living in her new hometown of Ellensburg, Washington when her feet and legs began to go numb and started tingling. GBS onset is quick. She was hospitalized right away as the syndrome progressed up her legs.

This syndrome is a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. GBS in its early stages is unpredictable, so except in very mild cases, most newly diagnosed patients are hospitalized. Usually, a new case of GBS is admitted to ICU (Intensive Care) to monitor breathing and other body functions until the disease is stabilized. Plasma exchange (a blood “cleansing” procedure) and high-dose intravenous immune globulins are often helpful to shorten the course of GBS. The acute phase of GBS typically varies in length from a few days to months, with over 90% of patients moving into the rehabilitative phase within four weeks.

Her road to recovery will be long. She will be staying at the hospital for several weeks so doctors can monitor and keep her stable. She is awake, but very fatigued and every little thing takes a great deal of effort for her. Her Mom Christy flew in on Wednesday to be with her and watch Indy and at some point, her father will be joining them.

There is no cure for GBS, but with supportive therapy and medicine, people can recover. She will require extensive occupational and physical therapy once released from the hospital. During all of this, she will most likely need help at home and won't be able to live on her own.

If you know Erin, then you know how much she enjoys her independence and outdoor activities. Hikes, running, and climbing are some of her favorite past-time activities that she shares with her sidekick Indy. She gets so much joy and relief from being able to move her body, she is, rightly so feeling devasted to learn this news and the unknown of what's to come.

I am hoping by learning of her situation you would donate to help her through this challenging time. She will be faced with daunting medical bills to come incurred from weeks in the hospital and countless PT appointments and possible future treatments.

Even with good health insurance, there will be plenty of other bills that will be incurred during this time. No amount of money is too small. Every little bit helps. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and help our friend out. Thank you.

Currently, she is at the Yakima Memorial Hospital if you would like to send her a care package or card- her Mom is staying at her home in Ellensburg. The address: 301 N Dennis St, Ellensburg WA 98926.

To learn more about Guillain-Barre Syndrome you can visit: https://www.gbs-cidp.org/gbs/