Kris' Road to Recovery
Donation protected
My name is Kristen and I created this in hopes of fundraising money for my aunt Kristen (known as my 'cool aunt Kris') and the road to recovery she is about to endure. Anyone who knows her can vouch that she relies on her independence and rarely ever asks for help from others. She is a prideful and brave woman who recently, has shown that more than ever. In a matter of days her life has changed drastically due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
If you're like me, you probably weren't very familiar with this disease before now. Within the past week, I have learned more about it, how it works and how fast it can take a tole on our bodies. GBS is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.
Normally our immune system uses antibodies and special white blood cells to protect us by attacking infectious bacteria and viruses, However, through this disease, the healthy nerves we have are the ones being attacked. As a result, the nerves cannot transmit signals efficiently and the muscles begin to lose their ability to respond to the brain's commands. This is what causes weakness in our extremities.
For what started as some back pain and tingling in the feet, her condition has progressed in to almost absent reflexes, seizure like episodes, and has now left her paralyzed in more than half of her body. This includes the loss of control/use of her legs, paralysis of some of her internal organs, and the progression of the disease that is continuing into her arms and hands.
After spending over a week in the hospital leading up to the final diagnosis, she was transported to the Inpatient Frazier Rehabilitation Institute here in Louisville. The hope is that she will be receiving 24/7 care with the most intensive and acute physical therapy there is. Currently, there is no cure for this disease and the recovery period varies depending on the person. We have faith knowing that Kris will have the courage to face the pain and the hard work of regaining her cognitive motor skills.
The last thing anyone needs to be worried about during a recovery like this are the bills that are going to follow. My hope is that through this we can raise enough to take away a small sliver of that worry. All proceeds will be going towards the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation residential center costs and any other expenses that will come along with this ongoing care.
Please feel free to share this anywhere you can! Awareness of this disease needs to be spread! Help us to show her that she is not alone in this battle! Whether it be thoughts, prayers or donations, we appreciate it all!
Attached is a link that includes more about GBS and what you can do to help and or watch out for those around you! https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Guillain-Barr%C3%A9-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet
If you're like me, you probably weren't very familiar with this disease before now. Within the past week, I have learned more about it, how it works and how fast it can take a tole on our bodies. GBS is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system.
Normally our immune system uses antibodies and special white blood cells to protect us by attacking infectious bacteria and viruses, However, through this disease, the healthy nerves we have are the ones being attacked. As a result, the nerves cannot transmit signals efficiently and the muscles begin to lose their ability to respond to the brain's commands. This is what causes weakness in our extremities.
For what started as some back pain and tingling in the feet, her condition has progressed in to almost absent reflexes, seizure like episodes, and has now left her paralyzed in more than half of her body. This includes the loss of control/use of her legs, paralysis of some of her internal organs, and the progression of the disease that is continuing into her arms and hands.
After spending over a week in the hospital leading up to the final diagnosis, she was transported to the Inpatient Frazier Rehabilitation Institute here in Louisville. The hope is that she will be receiving 24/7 care with the most intensive and acute physical therapy there is. Currently, there is no cure for this disease and the recovery period varies depending on the person. We have faith knowing that Kris will have the courage to face the pain and the hard work of regaining her cognitive motor skills.
The last thing anyone needs to be worried about during a recovery like this are the bills that are going to follow. My hope is that through this we can raise enough to take away a small sliver of that worry. All proceeds will be going towards the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation residential center costs and any other expenses that will come along with this ongoing care.
Please feel free to share this anywhere you can! Awareness of this disease needs to be spread! Help us to show her that she is not alone in this battle! Whether it be thoughts, prayers or donations, we appreciate it all!
Attached is a link that includes more about GBS and what you can do to help and or watch out for those around you! https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Guillain-Barr%C3%A9-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet
Organizer and beneficiary
Kristen Klimesh
Organizer
Louisville, KY
Billy Shaw
Beneficiary