Update: 10/29

Medicare has stopped paying for his rehab stays. We are now paying 300$ a night for him to continue his treatment and PT. We are seeing progress everyday. They are trying new methods to get his feet to move on his own. Everyday gives us more hope. We ask for help to pay for his treatments

On the morning of August 10th, 2025, my grandfather, Nikolay Shvayenko, woke up unable to feel his legs. He was rushed to the hospital, where the doctors quickly realized something was seriously wrong, and within hours, the numbness spread to his arms, throat, and tongue. By the end of the day, he could no longer stand or feed himself, and his ability to breathe on his own was declining quickly. His entire life changed instantly in one day.

After testing, Nikolay was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. These conditions can progress rapidly, often leading to paralysis and requiring intensive medical care. The average time of recovery is 12-18 months, but in some cases, it can take up to four years to fully recover from the nerve damage.

In my grandfather's case, he remained in the ICU under close observation for 16 days. He required a feeding tube and was at constant risk of respiratory failure. Each day was uncertain, as doctors monitored the paralysis. Despite the pain and the fear, Nikolay faced every challenge with extraordinary courage and strength. Following his time in the ICU, he was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital where he spent 3 weeks undergoing physical and occupational therapy. During this time, he began the long and painful process of relearning how to move and speak. Simple movements, like lifting a finger or eating solid food, became milestones worth celebrating.

Today, Nikolay continues his recovery in a rehab center, where he has been for 3 weeks. Although he has begun to regain some movement in his arms and legs, he still faces a long road. His progress has been inspiring, but the financial burden on our family has become increasingly difficult. His insurance coverage will only continue for a few more weeks, leaving him responsible for the high costs of ongoing treatment and care.

The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward:

● Continued rehab therapy, which is very important for regaining strength and mobility

● Medical treatments, including plasma exchange and IVIG therapy

● Equipment and mobility aids, like a wheelchair and in-home accessibility modifications

● Out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance

Nikolay has always been a person of strength, kindness, and generosity to everyone who knows him. He always helps out his community, whether that is through church, his family, or his friends. Seeing him work so hard to regain his mobility and independence has been both heartbreaking and inspiring, and our family is deeply grateful for the care he has received and for the progress he has made so far. However, his recovery is far from over, and we cannot continue without help. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference in making sure that my grandfather receives the care that he needs to walk and live independently again. Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for supporting our family during this difficult time. Your compassion and generosity mean more than words can express.