Help Chad Fight GBS

Help Chad fight Guillain-Barre Syndrome!

For those who know Chad, know he is always on the move; whether it be volleyball at the beach, basketball with friends, cooking for his family, working in the yard, running with his dog Dirks, tending his garden, feeding his chickens, hiking, traveling, you name it. He is a loving husband, son, brother, and uncle, a thoughtful and genuine friend, a passionate and committed educator, and an all-around admirable person.

On November 10, 2022, Chad was admitted into the NCH Hospital, where he would later be diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder (affecting only 3,000-5,000 people in the U.S. each year) where the body’s immune system attacks its nerves resulting in paralysis, pain, muscle loss, respiratory complications, and autonomic dysfunction.

We are sad to share that Chad's case is extremely severe, causing full body paralysis, loss of both his voluntary and involuntary functions, and critical abnormalities in his vital responses. He now requires respiratory assistance via tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, and daily treatments and procedures including plasmapheresis, bronchoscopies, MRIs, CT-scans, immunoglobin therapies, x-rays, and spinal taps. After almost a month in the ICU his family saw a glimpse of hope when Chad started showing improvements, allowing him to move his head up and down, left and right, and breathe on his own for about 30 minutes a day. Unfortunately, this was short-lived, and he experienced a relapse setting him back to the beginning. Chad is still fighting in the ICU, completely aware of what is happening around him and to him, with little to no control, making it a very scary space for him and his family to be in. He struggles to communicate his needs to his family and doctors but does so by moving his eyes to spell out words - he truly is the most patient, patient.

Chad and Briana have a long road ahead with many hospital nights, procedures, treatments, and therapies. They both value so much the support from their family and friends, and although Chad cannot have any visitors at this time, they need support now more than ever. We ask on their behalf, any prayers, kind words, and financial assistance you can provide. All donations will be used to ensure Chad gets the care he deserves, to help pay for medical bills, rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapies), home modifications for handicap accessibility, and anything else he and his family need for his full recovery, which could be many months, or more.

Chad has been so encouraged by those who have sent well wishes, cards, helped care for his home, brought food to his family, and taken care of Dirks. We cannot thank you enough for your support.

“I will give, pay, and do anything to get my Chad back.”

- Briana Brandon