Tyler - Paralyzed by GBS, on ventilator in ICU

Hello friends and family,

We have put together this GoFundMe on behalf of Tyler, Kelly and Archer. We would not be reaching out to friends and family for help for our good friends if this was not an extreme time of need. Tyler was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) less than a month ago. At just 33 years old, he has been confronted with a life altering diagnosis that has turned his and his family’s world upside down.

A little about Tyler, if you don’t know him: he’s an amazing husband to Kelly, hands-on father to 13-month-old Archer, brother to Brian and Jeff, son to Aimee & Gordy, and a great friend to many. He loves his family more than anything. His other loves include working on his podcast with his brothers, anything comic book/movie related, snow boarding, video games and working on his motorcycle. He’s a funny, wicked smart individual with great hair. And now he needs our help more than ever.

Tyler was sick about a month ago with what seemed to be a common cold. He also lost his job around the same time. He began looking for work and reporting to unemployment. After about a month of lingering cold symptoms, he suddenly felt weak, his limbs felt tingly and numb and he began to lose the ability to walk. They went to the ER and Tyler was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. GBS is a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves. The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but two-thirds of patients report symptoms of an infection in the six weeks preceding. There's no known cure for GBS, but treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness.

At first, things didn’t seem so bad. He was losing his muscle strength in his arms and legs but could still stand up, move his fingers and talk. He received 5 blood infusions per the doctor's orders, but continued to get worse. Recently, he came down with pneumonia. He became fully paralyzed and is currently in a medically induced coma, with a ventilator and feeding tube. He cannot eat or breathe on his own. He has been in and out of consciousness for the last week.

At this point, we are not sure when Tyler will begin to improve as things are changing day by day. We are all still very optimistic that he will recover but the road ahead is uncertain and best case scenario recovery will take at least months, possibly years. He will need to completely relearn how to walk, talk and move his body. Physical therapy and treatment will be needed for months, if not years.

Because Tyler is in the hospital, he cannot claim the unemployment he was promised when he lost his job nor qualify for any long term disability coverage. Kelly is now the sole provider for their family. Archer must be in daycare, so she can work full time, there is much uncertainty around medical bills and Tyler’s half of the bills.

We have set up this GoFundMe campaign to ask for your assistance in raising funds to help cover the expenses associated with Tyler’s recovery and to help his family with basic financial expenses. These funds will ensure Tyler can access rehab care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and help afford Archer’s daycare so Kelly can continue to work.

On behalf of Tyler, Kelly and Archer, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your help. No donation is too small. Simply sharing this campaign on social media can have an impact. Please help Tyler in his fight.

With gratitude,

Bailey, Ariane and Kelsey