Madison's Journey to Recovery with Guillain-Barré Syndrome

On the morning of April 29, 2024, our lives took an unexpected turn. Madison woke up with tingling in her feet and legs, like they were asleep. She had recently battled a tough stomach bug, a gastrointestinal infection, and we thought it was just a lingering effect. But by the time I arrived to pick her up, she couldn’t feel anything from the knees down. I had to carry her to the car, and by the time we reached the hospital, she was paralyzed from the waist down. It was terrifying.

Madison was immediately admitted to the hospital, where they began a series of tests. The ER nurse mentioned something called Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition neither of us had heard of before. After two MRIs, two x-rays, and a spinal tap, our fears were confirmed: She was diagnosed with GBS. This rare condition causes the immune system to attack the nerves, leading to paralysis. There is no cure, and recovery can take years.

Madison’s condition worsened quickly, and the paralysis spread up to her neck. She was in the hospital for nearly two months, with a month spent in the ICU. She came dangerously close to needing intubation. She underwent six IVIG (Intravenous immunoglobulin) treatments, but when those didn’t work, they moved on to six Plasmapheresis treatments. These treatments were both scary and exhausting, but they helped her regain the use of her arms and hands. She had to relearn how to do everything—writing, eating, getting dressed, brushing her hair and teeth—every little task became a monumental challenge.

Madison was eventually transferred to a rehabilitation hospital, where she continued her Occupational and Physical Therapy. Although she regained some mobility in her upper body, she still has no feeling in her legs and remains wheelchair bound. A nerve conduction study conducted in mid-August showed delayed reactions in her upper left side, but no response from the knee down. The neurologist told us that her recovery could take another year or more. In the meantime, she needs to continue with intense PT and OT to have any hope of regaining her ability to walk.

We have an amazing rehabilitation team that works with Madison at home, and we’ve made significant changes to our house to accommodate her needs. We’ve also purchased essential medical equipment to help with her daily life. However, the bills are piling up quickly. Madison’s disability claim is still under review, and we’ve been told that we might not have a decision until February or March of next year. We’re struggling to make ends meet despite cutting back on everything we possibly can.

This is where we humbly ask for your help. We are reaching out to our friends, family, and community to support Madison on her journey to recovery. Your donations will go directly towards her medical bills, therapy sessions, medications, necessary equipment, and outstanding hospital bills. Every bit helps, and we appreciate anything you can give.

Please keep Madison in your prayers and pray for her complete healing. We believe in her strength and resilience, and with your support, we hope she can make a full recovery.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With gratitude,

Valerie & Madison