Marshall is suffering from a very rare disease called Guillain-Barre syndrome.  This is a rare disease with only 20,000 cases in the U.S. per year.  Last week Marshall suddenly lost movement in his legs and it has now spread into his arms and torso.  He is in extreme pain and at risk of losing his respiratory function.  This disease is triggered by a virus or bacteria that enters the body.  The immune system then begins accidentally attacking the peripheral nervous system in response to the virus or bacteria.  There is no cure, however with time the disease will fade on its own.  

Fortunately, Marshall will most likely regain full movement, but it is going to take months of extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.  He is currently admitted to Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, CA, and will likely remain there for rehabilitation.

Marshall’s wife Amanda has been incredible and has been by his side every minute.  Despite not having reliable transportation to make the trip to Napa, she has managed to be there for him.  Their daughter Aubrey, 1 1/2, has been a trooper staying with family so Amanda can be there for Marshall.

The family needs a reliable car and help with hotel rooms while Marshall is in Napa.  The hospital is close to 3 hours away from their home, adding hardship to the family.  They had been saving money for a car before this, and their savings has quickly depleted.  Both Amanda and Marshall are missing work, and with the added cost of Amanda having to stay in Napa this could spiral into economic ruin.  Many families are not prepared to handle a medical emergency and this little family is doing the best they can, with a positive attitude.

I want to help them raise money for a reliable little car Amanda could commute down to Napa in, and help with the cost of hotel rooms that will quickly add up as Marshall recovers and enters the rehabilitation center.  Let’s keep this family together by providing his wife with a reasonable way to go between taking care of her husband and being the amazing mother she is to little Aubrey.