THE NEED

As many of you may know, a few weeks ago, Stevie was admitted to the hospital, struggling with potentially life-threatening symptoms. She was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome - an incredibly rare auto-immune disorder that attacks the nervous system and begins as weakness and tingling in the feet and legs that spreads to the upper body, causing paralysis. We are so fortunate and grateful that it was quickly diagnosed and she began emergency IVIG treatments before ventilation was required. The road to recovery is long, but Stevie is on her way. She has shown unflappable determination and is making excellent progress.

Stevie’s family and friends are asking for your help to ease the financial burden that this situation has placed on the Willis family. The medical bills for her care have amounted to nearly $100,000 so far. Let’s come together and help Stevie stay focused on what matters most: getting better!

ABOUT STEVIE

You may know Stevie’s husband, Alastair, through his captivating conducting of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. From the thunderous Beethoven series to Mozart y Mambo, Alastair enthralls concert goers young and old with his conducting and even onstage salsa dancing! Stevie is a constant support for Alastair's demanding work here and abroad. She is a devoted and loving mother to brilliant daughter, seven-year-old Hazel, and active teenage son, Jackson.

MORE ABOUT STEVIE’S RECOVERY

After a week of treatment to stop the spread of Guillain-Barré, Stevie was transferred to a transitional care facility. With the help of occupational and physical therapists, Stevie was able to retrain her body to stand, transfer to a wheelchair, and learn to walk with a walker. We celebrate Stevie’s progress in the facility where she was able to leave after just five days, instead of ten, due to her strong determination and perseverance through therapy. She has recently been able to walk short distances with the assistance of a walker.

Stevie is now home and working fiercely to regain her independence and strength. Still, challenges remain. Stevie is accustomed to being the sole caretaker of the home while Alastair is traveling to engagements, especially as they do not have family locally. Stevie looks forward to daily activities like walking beloved dog Cheddar, visiting the gym, and baking with Hazel without constraints. She is eager to resume working with her darling three to five year-olds at the Montessori school. They all miss Mrs. Willis!

The Willis family has been a gift, not just to our community, but far beyond as Alastair leads orchestras across the country and abroad. They now need our help and generosity for Stevie's medical costs which have reached $97,420. Stevie has cared for her family, friends, and community, let’s show our care for her and donate.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!