Supporting Brenda Grealis following a life-altering PERM Stiff Person Syndrome Diagnosis

This fundraiser is for a very dear friend Brenda Grealis, who has been diagnosed with PERM Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) which is an extremely rare, severe neurological disease that causes extreme muscle rigidity, painful spasms, and progressive loss of mobility. Because PERM is so rare, treatment options are limited and difficult. Stiff Person Syndrome became widely known when Celine Dion publicly shared her own diagnosis. Unfortunately, in Brenda’s case, her form of the illness is a more severe variant and is even more rare.

Brenda is a gifted singer and harpist who devoted her life to bringing comfort and joy to others through her music. Tragically, this illness has taken away her ability to sing and play, ending her career and source of income, along with one of the great loves of her life. Her condition has progressed rapidly, requiring time in intensive care and prolonged hospitalisation. Despite multiple treatments, she has not responded and now faces complex, lifelong medical needs including a motorised wheelchair, ongoing specialist care, rehabilitation, and home modifications so she can eventually return home to her family.

Brenda is a wife and mother of four, and this diagnosis has placed immense emotional and financial strain on her entire family as they navigate long-term care, major life adjustments and the sudden loss of income all the while ensuring Brenda is surrounded by love, dignity and stability. This fundraiser is to help ease that burden and support Brenda and her family through what lies ahead.

Any donation, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated. If you’re unable to give, sharing this page means just as much.

Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support during this incredibly difficult time.