Housing & Medical for Tony & Cheryl

In January of 2015, by brother Tony Dewayne Gann was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the brain, leading, in some cases, to total body paralysis. For Tony, this is exactly what happened. It began in his hands and feet and eventually spread to his entire body. He was completely paralyzed from the head down – it even reached his lungs, at which point he had to rely on a ventilator to breathe for him. The doctors had given up – they said there was nothing else they could do, and that he may never recover. There was one nurse, though, his guardian angel, who never gave up. She was able to preserve what llitte hope we all had left. The support from family and friends was overwhelming, but there was nothing left to do but pray. When I left my brother there in that hospital bed, I thought it would be the last time I would ever see him. I couldn't get the thought of my brother lying there helpless in that hospital bed out of my head, and the thought of my young nephews losing their father.

After nearly five months of fearing the worst, things started to take a turn for the better. God must have been looking over him. It all started with his pinkie finger. That one little movement that brought hope back into our hearts, and put our fear at bay. Against all odds, they eventually got him breathing on his own, and were able to take him off the ventilator.

As things started to get better, new struggles arose. Tony has no medical insurance, and though he was able to get the hospital stay covered through Medicaid, they would not cover his rehabilitation. Though it's been over a year, he still has no feeling below the knees and limited ability to use his hands. He walks some with the help of braces, but needs rehabilitation to regain full functionality in his limbs.

Thankfully, his family has stepped up and have been helping him through this rough process. As a result of his disabilities, even the simplest tasks are impossible without the help of others, like his dedicated friend Cheryl Richardson Fales. Cheryl has been by his side, through thick and thin, from the beginning, giving him a place to live and assisting him in his day to day routines.

Unfortunately, they have been hit with another tragedy this weekend as they watched their home burn down in flames. They lost everything – all of their possessions, family heirlooms, and even their two beloved cats. 

I am starting this fund to help my little brother Tony and his dear friend Cheryl face the obstacles ahead. They will need all of the help that their friends and family are able to provide.

Much of what they have lost is irreplaceable, but with our assistance, we can help Tony get the rehabilitation services that he so desperately needs and help put a roof over their heads. And more than ever, they need your thoughts and your prayers, to help bring them strength as they face these difficult times.

Thank you for whatever help you can offer. We will be sure to keep you updated as Tony and Cheryl face the journey ahead.