Kendall Clausen’s Fight For Recovery

I am Alex Etengoff, Kendall’s significant other of 6 years, and I am raising funds for Kendall’s medical bills, tuition, lost wages, and living expenses. Kendall had COVID and within days, found herself stuck on the floor and unable to ask for help, due to Kendall being completely paralyzed and unable to speak. Kendall had to wait 5 hours until I finally got home from work and was able to call for help. Kendall was immediately taken by ambulance to the hospital and admitted to the ICU, where she stayed for 2 weeks, followed by another 10 days in the general hospital unit. Kendall had several MRIs, a spinal tap, an EKG, and a myriad of other tests. After 5 days of constant worry and uncertainty, Kendall was finally diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system and causes paralysis.

Kendall had to have a feeding tube for 3 weeks accompanied by 10 plasmapheresis treatments, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. She worked hard enough that she was transferred to an intensive inpatient rehab facility. Kendall is expected to be here for 5 weeks and will then move to another inpatient facility for an additional 3 weeks. Thereafter, she will require outpatient therapy for many months as well as potential home modifications. 

Kendall was a full time college student at the University of Minnesota where she was pursuing a degree in psychology, with the ultimate goal of helping others. She has now found herself in need of help from you. Kendall is responsible for her own tuition costs, and due to her sudden illness, she has had to withdraw from the semester and will likely not receive a refund for her tuition. She works as a receptionist at a psychiatric clinic and will be unable to work for many months. 

These lost wages, extensive medical bills, lost tuition, and living expenses are why we are reaching out to you today. Whether big or small, we appreciate anything you can contribute to Kendall’s recovery!