Help My Best Friend Regain Independence After GBS

My best friend's life was turned upside down in September 2022 when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare and debilitating neurological disorder. GBS occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis. Recovery can take months or even years, with no guarantee of full restoration of strength and mobility.

For my friend, GBS left her completely paralyzed and dependent on others for even the most basic tasks. Over the past two years, she has fought courageously, working tirelessly with speech, physical, and occupational therapists. While she has faced setbacks along the way, her determination and resilience shine through—she refuses to give up.

The emotional toll of this journey has been immense. She has been seeing a psychiatrist to support her mental health as she copes with the challenges of this life-altering experience. For someone who has always been fiercely independent, relying on others for care and support has been the hardest part of this journey. She is determined to regain her independence and live life on her own terms again.

Here’s our dilemma: because she is in a skilled nursing facility, they take her income every month, as well as her back pay from disability. This leaves her with almost nothing to start fresh, and I’m trying to help her transition out sooner rather than later so she can keep what she’s earned.

To make matters even more challenging, she is an only child with no immediate family nearby. Her relatives live in different states or are tied up with their own responsibilities, leaving her with very limited support. She’s incredibly strong and hates asking for help, but now, she truly needs it.

How You Can Help:

My goal is to raise enough funds to:

Cover 6 months of rent to give her financial breathing room.

Purchase furniture and essential household items to create a comfortable and functional home.

To protect her benefits, I will be facilitating the funds directly to ensure everything is used appropriately without jeopardizing her financial support. GBS has taken so much from her, but with your support, we can help her regain her independence and move forward with her life.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings her one step closer to escaping this cycle and achieving the freedom she’s worked so hard to reclaim. I will be managing this fundraiser on her behalf to ensure every contribution goes directly toward her needs. Your kindness and support mean the world to both of us. Thank you!