Kaydience (Kayd) Wieler is a young teen from Swift Current who attends grade 8 at Fairview school. Her mom, Lanna Koethler is an active member of the community, who works with youth at the Centre to counsel, advocate and help in times of need. Lanna is also a passionate volunteer in the community, sitting as the president of the Drug Strategy Action Committee and also a single mother raising four other children. A few weeks ago Kayd was recovering from pneumonia when she started having rare complications. It led to a brief stay in Cypress Regional Hospital before being urgently transferred to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon where Kayd has been ever since. Kayd was diagnosed with a rare condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). GBS is a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. The onset of GBS can be quite sudden and unexpected and requires immediate hospitalization. GBS is rare, affecting about 3,000 people in the U.S.. In Kayd’s case, it has caused multiple mobility issues and a weakening/partial paralysis of the muscles throughout her body . Kayd is currently undergoing rigorous testing to eliminate secondary diagnosis’ and determine the extent to which GBS will affect her long term. At this point, they will be at JPCH indefinitely as Kayd works to recover enough to come home. Lanna has been at JPCH in Saskatoon while family help with her other children here at home.

As you can imagine the financial toll this situation has taken on Lanna and her family is immense. Lanna is never one to ask for help, but as a medical caregiver myself, I know the burden she’s facing and every dollar helps right now. She will need to continue to support her and Kayd in Saskatoon, while being unable to work or see her children here. Kayd will not be released from hospital until their home can accommodate her mobility needs. This will include several mobility devices to be purchased (wheelchair, walker etc) as well as building a ramp into the house and adding mobility aids throughout. These additions will help ensure a safe space for Kayd to recover once home. Any and all support is greatly appreciated as the road to recovery for Kayd will be (at a minimum) several months. This will be a life long condition that can flare up at anytime, especially when fighting infections and/or colds. If you can donate its greatly appreciated. Please feel free to share their story as every bit counts right now to ensure Kayd can come home as soon as she’s ready to be released from JPCH. Thank you in advance for your support!!