Help for Cooper and his family

Cooper's illness is coming at a time when our family is just barely getting back on our feet. Cooper's step dad lost his job last year and the family has struggled greatly to make ends meet. He's back to work now but we're desperately playing catch up.

Cooper became ill over the weekend and had strange weakness in his arms and legs. By Monday he was bed ridden with fever, rash & vomiting. By Wednesday he was unable to move his arms or legs.

He was rushed by ambulance from Oshawa hospital to Sick Kids in Toronto and an MRI and spinal tap diagnosed Guillain Barre syndrome. It's an auto immune disorder caused by a viral infection in the spinal cord.

Cooper is unable to stand, walk, roll over in bed or raise his arms. He can move his feet and has use of his hands.

Once he's medically stable in the next couple weeks they will transfer him to Bloorview Children's Rehab Hospital for rehabilitation to regain use of arm and legs. Recovery is different for each person with an average of 6-8 weeks in hospital rehab and then months of physio upon going home.

As a self employed mom....to stay with my child means no work no pay. There are no EI options or medical benefits available so for a family living week to week this may have devastating results.

Thank you for all the support.

Darla & Brian Cassibo