Let’s support Brian and Shelby Ruetz in their time of need.

As I sit here and write this out for two of my greatest friends, I can’t help but want to do everything that I possibly can to lessen the burden for my best friend, Shelby Ruetz, and her amazing husband, Brian Ruetz, on yet another devastating situation this year.

Back in April of this year, Brian began experiencing very serious symptoms including confusion, horrific headaches, and not acting like himself. After many tests, hospital transfers and ultimately landing at U of M, they found bleeding on his brain and mutated tissue that led him to having open brain surgery on April 18th. Thankfully his surgery was successful and was able to begin his long road to recovery. Shelby was 7 months pregnant at the time, juggling work, taking care of their 1.5 year old son Elliott, all while trying to be there for Brian. Brian works as a Detroit Firefighter and absolutely loves his career. He was off work for five months for his recovery and they are both anticipating having to take off even more time. Shelby gave birth to their daughter, Theodora, in July and had to go on maternity leave as well.

Things were looking up until recently. Brian started having numbness and other symptoms and they progressed prompting them to go back to U of M. The imaging found more bleeding on his brain, and they don’t have answers as to why. This news was devastating to everyone and we are still waiting for further testing to determine the plan of treatment.

Let’s rally around this family and come together. The unknown is scary and no-one deserves to worry about finances while dealing with the stress of everything for the second time within 8 months. I will do my best to update everyone when the information is received. Thank you!