Help Karen overcome Guillain-Barre

A little over five months ago, Karen was on a training ride with Phil and noticed her fingers losing sensation and her balance diminishing. Karen immediately checked into the hospital. As her condition progressed, she lost the use of her extremities all sensation and ultimately suffered complete paralysis.

Her condition was so severe that she could not breathe on her own or even speak; she was placed in an induced coma and intubated in the hopes that her condition would reverse course. After over a week in an induced coma and several very close calls, Karen regained consciousness. She would spend three months in the ICU near her home in Melbourne, FL. When her condition was stable enough, she was transferred to a respiratory rehab facility where they worked for a month to get her off the ventilator and breathe on her own. After five months, she returned home though she remains a quadriplegic.

Karen has been home for four weeks now and is in the care of her Husband Phil (an absolute hero). Her progress is slow but measured. When I saw her last week, she could move her hands and operate a mechanical wheelchair. She still has minimal sensation throughout her body. Her core and trunk are beginning to strengthen so she can sit up on her own (sort of).

Her prognosis is unknown. So little is known about Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome, and from all accounts, Karen had a markedly acute version. People with GBS typically see the most improvements between six and twelve months post-onset. We are praying that Karen makes a full recovery.

The challenges are many. Currently, Phil is the sole primary caregiver, which is physically and mentally exhausting. Karen has not worked since her the onset of symptoms; she is currently on long-term disability. If we can raise enough money, she would be able to receive a higher level of professional care and rehabilitation, in-home nursing, and help with meals and resources to offset astronomical medical costs.

We covet your prayer most of all. Please pray for a full recovery, hope, and strength for Karen and Phil. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated.