Help Jason fight Guillain-Barré Syndrome
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Dear Friends and Family,
We are reaching out to you for emergency assistance on behalf of our dear friends Jason Kaplan & Beth Altenbernd who are in the midst of a catastrophic illness.
On Wednesday November 28th, Jason began experiencing tingling in his feet and hands while he and Beth were traveling home to New Orleans from Kansas City. That evening Jason collapsed in their home as the numbness spread through his legs. Beth rushed him to University Medical Center New Orleans where he remains. After extensive testing Jason has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome . The syndrome progressed rapidly paralyzing Jason’s upper and lower extremities. Thankfully he avoided intubation while paralyzed in the ICU for five days. Jason’s condition stabilized last week allowing him to transfer to a regular hospital room.
This week Jason has gone from liquids to a solid diet and slowly regained limited use of his upper extremities. On Friday he was able to put his glasses on by himself with both hands! This is an amazing milestone considering Jason’s near complete paralysis. He continues to make modest and consistent progress everyday. However, extensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation is expected for him to regain motor function. Jason’s doctors are hopeful he can begin rehabilitation and are continually assessing the impact of any neuromuscular damage.
Beth and Jason’s household has a significant loss of wages as Jason cannot work and Beth is doing her very best to balance time at work and time spent caring for Jason at the hospital. The uncertainty of this condition - paired with its rapid onset and severity - have taken a significant toll on them both. Although Jason’s progress is heartening we are still at the beginning of a long and arduous recovery.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated and surely lessen Jason and Beth’s worries during these long months of care and rehabilitation. Any amount is helpful and all funds raised will be used for their living and medical expenses. Jason and Beth are two of the most brilliant, loving, kind, funny, and deserving people. As we know they would never ask for our help if it wasn’t needed. Our community is so strong, let’s come together and help them feel the warmth and love of their village!
We are reaching out to you for emergency assistance on behalf of our dear friends Jason Kaplan & Beth Altenbernd who are in the midst of a catastrophic illness.
On Wednesday November 28th, Jason began experiencing tingling in his feet and hands while he and Beth were traveling home to New Orleans from Kansas City. That evening Jason collapsed in their home as the numbness spread through his legs. Beth rushed him to University Medical Center New Orleans where he remains. After extensive testing Jason has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome . The syndrome progressed rapidly paralyzing Jason’s upper and lower extremities. Thankfully he avoided intubation while paralyzed in the ICU for five days. Jason’s condition stabilized last week allowing him to transfer to a regular hospital room.
This week Jason has gone from liquids to a solid diet and slowly regained limited use of his upper extremities. On Friday he was able to put his glasses on by himself with both hands! This is an amazing milestone considering Jason’s near complete paralysis. He continues to make modest and consistent progress everyday. However, extensive inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation is expected for him to regain motor function. Jason’s doctors are hopeful he can begin rehabilitation and are continually assessing the impact of any neuromuscular damage.
Beth and Jason’s household has a significant loss of wages as Jason cannot work and Beth is doing her very best to balance time at work and time spent caring for Jason at the hospital. The uncertainty of this condition - paired with its rapid onset and severity - have taken a significant toll on them both. Although Jason’s progress is heartening we are still at the beginning of a long and arduous recovery.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated and surely lessen Jason and Beth’s worries during these long months of care and rehabilitation. Any amount is helpful and all funds raised will be used for their living and medical expenses. Jason and Beth are two of the most brilliant, loving, kind, funny, and deserving people. As we know they would never ask for our help if it wasn’t needed. Our community is so strong, let’s come together and help them feel the warmth and love of their village!
Organizer and beneficiary
Erica Wilson
Organizer
Lee's Summit, MO
Beth Altenbernd
Beneficiary
