Mark's Battle Against GBS
Donazione protetta
Overnight, my dad could no longer move and for this reason, we need your help.
Our story: On August 7, 2016 my father, Mark Bush, was admitted to Catawba Valley Medical Center and diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which attacks the sheathing around your body's nerves and prevents the muscles from working. After only three days, his symptoms progressed from; tingling in his fingers and toes, to difficulty walking, to widespread paralysis. Since GBS affects all of your muscles, this also means that it affects the muscles used for breathing. In fact, many people will die from this disease from suffocation if they do not make it to the hospital in time.
His early response to treatment was encouraging and he experienced tremendous improvement, but within a few weeks his condition deteriorated again. After his fourth week of hospitalization, he was transferred to Wake Forest Baptist for a higher level of care. We are currently at week 10 of this battle, and my dad has endured five ICU and Critical Care stays, countless doctors and nurses, two trips to the rehabilitation center before experiencing set-backs, insertion of a feeding tube, and, most recently, being placed on a ventilator to help with his breathing.
He is currently in ICU fighting to breathe again, since his muscles are still working toward regaining strength. This is the first stem in the long journey of rehabilitation and therapy.
Through all of this, I have been in awe of my dad's resilience, and although we are nowhere near finished supporting my dad in this journey, I am thankful for the support system of family and friends that have helped us every day over the last 10 weeks.
Our goal: As you can imagine, 10 weeks in the hospital adds up. Even with insurance, my parents are facing several thousand dollars in bills in addition to several months more of hospitals, rehabilitation, and at-home care. My parents are relying solely on my mother's income, but her full-time income has been reduced to part-time since she has missed so much work to be by my dad's side. Their reduced income combined with regular commutes between home and the hospital are also costs that we have to take into account. It is difficult for us to admit, but we can use all the help we can get. Our goal of $10,000 would help us to cover the cost of insurance and medical bills, install a wheelchair ramp at the house , and purchase the necessary equipment to help dad adjust to life back at home .
We are immeasurably thankful for everyone has given us time, assistance, love, and prayers.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Even if you cannot donate, we appreciate love, good vibes, well wishes, and prayers.
Our story: On August 7, 2016 my father, Mark Bush, was admitted to Catawba Valley Medical Center and diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which attacks the sheathing around your body's nerves and prevents the muscles from working. After only three days, his symptoms progressed from; tingling in his fingers and toes, to difficulty walking, to widespread paralysis. Since GBS affects all of your muscles, this also means that it affects the muscles used for breathing. In fact, many people will die from this disease from suffocation if they do not make it to the hospital in time.
His early response to treatment was encouraging and he experienced tremendous improvement, but within a few weeks his condition deteriorated again. After his fourth week of hospitalization, he was transferred to Wake Forest Baptist for a higher level of care. We are currently at week 10 of this battle, and my dad has endured five ICU and Critical Care stays, countless doctors and nurses, two trips to the rehabilitation center before experiencing set-backs, insertion of a feeding tube, and, most recently, being placed on a ventilator to help with his breathing.
He is currently in ICU fighting to breathe again, since his muscles are still working toward regaining strength. This is the first stem in the long journey of rehabilitation and therapy.
Through all of this, I have been in awe of my dad's resilience, and although we are nowhere near finished supporting my dad in this journey, I am thankful for the support system of family and friends that have helped us every day over the last 10 weeks.
Our goal: As you can imagine, 10 weeks in the hospital adds up. Even with insurance, my parents are facing several thousand dollars in bills in addition to several months more of hospitals, rehabilitation, and at-home care. My parents are relying solely on my mother's income, but her full-time income has been reduced to part-time since she has missed so much work to be by my dad's side. Their reduced income combined with regular commutes between home and the hospital are also costs that we have to take into account. It is difficult for us to admit, but we can use all the help we can get. Our goal of $10,000 would help us to cover the cost of insurance and medical bills, install a wheelchair ramp at the house , and purchase the necessary equipment to help dad adjust to life back at home .
We are immeasurably thankful for everyone has given us time, assistance, love, and prayers.
Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Even if you cannot donate, we appreciate love, good vibes, well wishes, and prayers.
Organizzatore e beneficiario
Lindsey Bush
Organizzatore
Catawba, NC
Renate Bush
Beneficiario