Help Bre's Fight Against Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Note: Danny Potts is managing the GoFundMe account for Bre, at this time.

In late March, twenty-six-year-old Bre Ellins began to experience back pain that progressed to tingling in her hands and feet. A walk-in clinic doctor diagnosed a possible pinched nerve. Twenty-four hours later, the pain had intensified and she was unable to stand. Her partner, Danny Potts, rushed her to emergency and what followed was a day and a half of diagnostic tests.

By March 30th they learned that a spinal tap had diagnosed a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disorder called GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME (GBS). Bre was moved to ICU. GBS has no cure and usually follows a simple virus. It causes rapid and widespread damage to peripheral nerves, often leading to paralysis. Bre’s decline was rapid. On March 31, the family learned that she would be placed in an induced coma, on a ventilator and have a feeding tube added. For the next three days, they waited for improvement in her condition. Then began a five-day treatment of repeatedly cleansing her blood plasma and returning it to her body. This likely saved her life.

Bre fought all the way. By April 3rd, she was finally able to breathe without the help of the ventilator. After nine days in ICU, she was transferred to the Neurological Rehabilitation Unit.

Now begins her recovery. It’s impossible to predict how long a recovery could take. Mayo Clinic says that recovery can take more than 6 months, with about 60% achieving full motor strength after one year. With an autoimmune disorder, setbacks are possible. But Bre is stubborn and we hope that works in her favour.

Bre and Danny work in hospitality, and like many in that industry, covid restrictions hit hard. Getting back on their feet has been a struggle, and there is no cushion to help them through this. Though initially resistant to GoFundMe, they realized the need to be able to focus on Bre’s recovery without worry over financial issues. Money raised will help cover Bre’s lost income, travel expenses, medication, physiotherapy, mobility aids or equipment as required, as well as the support of Danny’s income if Bre requires a caregiver in the short term.

Any amount of support is gratefully welcome in the form of a donation, or by sharing this page. Thank you.