Kiri Shepherd GBS Support
Donation protected
Hi All.
As some of you are aware, our much loved sister, daughter, aunty and friend, Kiri, has suddenly found herself in one of the biggest battles of her life.
After rapidly developing a range of symptoms which were perplexing and scary, she undertook a series of medical tests and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barrè syndrome or GBS.
This is a condition that we knew nothing about but have since learnt that is not only very serious but it is an extremely debilitating disorder.
At this stage we have no idea what Kiri's recovery time is so I've posted some information from the GBS Foundation of Australia below.
http://www.guillainbarresyndrome.org/info-research/
"Recovery
Eventually the numbness begins to recede and strength begins to come back. Once it is clear that this is a genuine improvement rather than wishful thinking, there is some cause for cautious rejoicing because improvement is likely to continue steadily.
About 80% of the patients recover completely in that they are up and about walking within one year, and often much earlier than this. The time taken for recovery to occur is very variable. Sometimes it is only a week or two but most people remain affected for between three and six months.
The patients who do not recover completely may be left with minor degrees of weakness, numbness and sometimes discomfort that do not seriously interfere with their lives. A few however are left so disabled that they cannot resume their former occupations. This is usually because of residual weakness of their arms and legs so that manual work and walking are impaired. It is uncommon to be left dependent on a wheelchair for life but this unfortunately does occur in some cases. Improvement is fastest during the first few months but some patients report continued gradual improvement even after a year or two has elapsed.
Rehabilitation is vital for recovery
The length of time you have GBS is unpredictable, and may require months of hospital care and rehabilitation. As nerve function returns, patient may need assistance to learn how to use affected muscles."
We are working through the process of income protection and hardship for Kiri now as her return to work is indefinite. However, this is likely to be a drawn out process while Kiri is in a non-responsive state and while we seek legal representative assistance.
In the meantime, we'd love to be able to do everything we can to ensure Kiri keeps up to date with her mortgage, insurance and other financial obligations. We want her to be able to focus solely on improving her physical health and mental well-being, rather than how she's going to pay her next bill.
Kiri will have very little income while she battles bravely against this miserable condition and so without financial support we don't know how else she will be able to keep on top of things.
If you can afford to, any monetary contribution that you can make would be greatly appreciated.
If you can't afford a financial contribution, your messages of support for Kiri are invaluable to help her along this road to recovery
We thank you for your love, support and understanding though this time of hardship for Kiri.
Tai Shepherd
As some of you are aware, our much loved sister, daughter, aunty and friend, Kiri, has suddenly found herself in one of the biggest battles of her life.
After rapidly developing a range of symptoms which were perplexing and scary, she undertook a series of medical tests and has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barrè syndrome or GBS.
This is a condition that we knew nothing about but have since learnt that is not only very serious but it is an extremely debilitating disorder.
At this stage we have no idea what Kiri's recovery time is so I've posted some information from the GBS Foundation of Australia below.
http://www.guillainbarresyndrome.org/info-research/
"Recovery
Eventually the numbness begins to recede and strength begins to come back. Once it is clear that this is a genuine improvement rather than wishful thinking, there is some cause for cautious rejoicing because improvement is likely to continue steadily.
About 80% of the patients recover completely in that they are up and about walking within one year, and often much earlier than this. The time taken for recovery to occur is very variable. Sometimes it is only a week or two but most people remain affected for between three and six months.
The patients who do not recover completely may be left with minor degrees of weakness, numbness and sometimes discomfort that do not seriously interfere with their lives. A few however are left so disabled that they cannot resume their former occupations. This is usually because of residual weakness of their arms and legs so that manual work and walking are impaired. It is uncommon to be left dependent on a wheelchair for life but this unfortunately does occur in some cases. Improvement is fastest during the first few months but some patients report continued gradual improvement even after a year or two has elapsed.
Rehabilitation is vital for recovery
The length of time you have GBS is unpredictable, and may require months of hospital care and rehabilitation. As nerve function returns, patient may need assistance to learn how to use affected muscles."
We are working through the process of income protection and hardship for Kiri now as her return to work is indefinite. However, this is likely to be a drawn out process while Kiri is in a non-responsive state and while we seek legal representative assistance.
In the meantime, we'd love to be able to do everything we can to ensure Kiri keeps up to date with her mortgage, insurance and other financial obligations. We want her to be able to focus solely on improving her physical health and mental well-being, rather than how she's going to pay her next bill.
Kiri will have very little income while she battles bravely against this miserable condition and so without financial support we don't know how else she will be able to keep on top of things.
If you can afford to, any monetary contribution that you can make would be greatly appreciated.
If you can't afford a financial contribution, your messages of support for Kiri are invaluable to help her along this road to recovery
We thank you for your love, support and understanding though this time of hardship for Kiri.
Tai Shepherd
Fundraising team: Fundraising team (2)
Tai Shepherd
Organizer
Glass House Mountains QLD
Delwyn Merle Shepherd-Frame
Beneficiary
Kiri Shepherd
Team member
