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Support for Grand President James King

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This GoFundMe page is being written for the current Grand President of the Native Sons of the Golden West, James P. King. He is unable write this page himself as he has lost most of the use of his arms and legs due to the effects of a very rare disease known as Guillain–Barré syndrome.

While performing his official duties as Grand President, James collapsed from the loss of his legs while attending a crab feed dinner in Ione, California. He was taken to a local hospital and eventually transferred to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center where he underwent extensive examinations, treatment and testing until his condition was finally diagnosed to be Guillain–Barré syndrome. The disease causes your immune system to attack your nerves, leading to muscle weakness and even paralysis. The exact cause of Guillain-Barré is unknown, but it often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any age. There’s no cure for Guillain-Barré, but most people eventually make a full recovery. Recovery can be slow, lasting anywhere from several weeks to several years.

James was then sent to a nursing facility in Los Altos, California to begin his long-term rehabilitation, care and therapy. He is virtually alone in the nursing facility as visitors are not allowed due to the risk associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19). His cellphone has become his new best friend and is his only means of communicating with the outside world. But alas he can barely hold it with his stricken hands and even though texting is an option imagine how difficult it is to text with fingers of which you do not have complete control.

James must now start the long road of recovery by going through physical therapy, getting medical treatments and learning to live without body functions most of us take for granted. It is times like these that a person’s will to survive, his desire to live, and faith in God take over and he picks himself up, tightens his boots, and gets back on his loyal horse. The road is long and filled with challenges but everyday James gets better is one day closer to reaching his goal of getting back to his real self.

After 11 years of volunteering his time, energy and services to the Native Sons of the Golden West, and to preserving and documenting the history of California, James finally reached the pinnacle of the order by becoming its Grand President. During the 2019-2020 year, he traveled throughout the state, performing his duties by visiting other parlors, leading historical landmark dedications, presenting donation checks to hospitals which care and treat children with Cleft Palette anomalies, and talking to as many people as he could about the virtues of California. With just two months to go until he completed one of the highlight years of his life, James was derailed by his debilitating illness. But the one thing I know about James is he’s been through tough times before and he always pulls through no matter how tough the situation.

James will need a lot of time, medical care and support this time as his costs are expected to be significant. Your donation will help him offset his medical costs and any additional expenses he may incur while rehabilitating from the effects of Guillain-Barré. This much I do know about James is that even though he may still be in a nursing home, he will continue to do whatever he can for the Native Sons of the Golden West, including serving on the Board of Grand Officers during the 2020-2021 year. It would be just like James to continue to be a part of the order he loves so much. James is a true Native Son, one who embodies the virtues of friendship, loyalty and charity.

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Donations 

  • Carol Robb
    • $50 
    • 4 yrs
  • Gerald Turgeon
    • $25 
    • 4 yrs
  • cathleen mcintosh
    • $100 
    • 4 yrs
  • Terri Tullius Terada
    • $20 
    • 4 yrs
  • Bill Milestone
    • $50 
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Patrick Hoffmann
Organizer
San Francisco, CA
Thomas W Perazzo
Beneficiary

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