Help My Mom Fight Guillain-Barre
Donation protected
Happy Chinese New Year!
It was about 1.5 year ago when my mother was hospitalized due to the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a very rare autoimmune disease. I can not adequately express how much my family appreciate your prayers, donations, as well as other resources you have provided (please refer to the updates and old posts at the end)! My mother has been recovering steadily. She is mobile and can live with moderate level of support, even though she is still weak and easily fatigued (e.g. she can't get up from the floor, she can't hold on to a bowl without dropping it).
Despite the pain and weakness this disease has brought her, my mother has been experiencing emotional and spiritual trials as well. My mom is extremely lonely on the journey of recovery. Because GBS is a very rare disease, many of her therapists and neurologists told her: "I have never treated patients like you." Imagine when the doctor tells you he does not know what to do with your illness! One of her massage therapists even told her "you will never recover. You will just be like this for the rest of your life". She is often discouraged and confused especially when she is experiencing abnormal sensation (e.g. carrying a heavy turtle shell on her back, cramps on her legs) here and there.
After considering many factors, we decided it is time to bring her to America for some extra help, even though that means we will have to pay everything out-of-pocket. I have been searching for a neurologist, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist who have experience in treating patients with GBS. Praise God! Currently, we found a neurologist who is specialized in GBS, and he speaks Chinese!!
I am inviting you to pray with me. My mother and I have been praying regularly, for the following needs:
1. The right physical therapist and occupational therapist. My mother hopes she can eventually hold her grandchild, go up/downstairs, get up from the floor, stably hold on to her bowl/mug, and, last but not least, being able to sew again. (She sewed my wedding gown and my coat in the picture. She was a brilliant seamstress.) She will be in Memphis until May 20th. so hopefully we can start therapy ASAP.
2. Good and affordable medical treatment. She does not qualify for American medical insurance; therefore, we will be paying out-of-pocket for every visit, including therapy appointments.
3. For my mom to find hope in God, Jesus, the true healer!
If you feel led, we are raising money for her medical bills as well. Based on the information I have so far, the goal is $2500, which includes:
$250/one neurologist visit (not including additional testing),
$50 per PT visit (most affordable option so far! Thank you!),
and $50-100 per OT visit *14 weeks (estimated, we have not found an OT yet).
The price may change since we are still looking for therapists.
Thank you, my friends, for caring about us since Oct 2018!! What have I done to deserve a love like this!
"Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you."
-1 Peter 5:7
P.S. the campaign listed "$5000" because we have already raised $2595 previously when she was hospitalized.
GoFundMe does charge a service fee when withdrawing money. So if you want, my Venmo is @joannabananacaptainchina.
Thank you!
It was about 1.5 year ago when my mother was hospitalized due to the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a very rare autoimmune disease. I can not adequately express how much my family appreciate your prayers, donations, as well as other resources you have provided (please refer to the updates and old posts at the end)! My mother has been recovering steadily. She is mobile and can live with moderate level of support, even though she is still weak and easily fatigued (e.g. she can't get up from the floor, she can't hold on to a bowl without dropping it).
Despite the pain and weakness this disease has brought her, my mother has been experiencing emotional and spiritual trials as well. My mom is extremely lonely on the journey of recovery. Because GBS is a very rare disease, many of her therapists and neurologists told her: "I have never treated patients like you." Imagine when the doctor tells you he does not know what to do with your illness! One of her massage therapists even told her "you will never recover. You will just be like this for the rest of your life". She is often discouraged and confused especially when she is experiencing abnormal sensation (e.g. carrying a heavy turtle shell on her back, cramps on her legs) here and there.
After considering many factors, we decided it is time to bring her to America for some extra help, even though that means we will have to pay everything out-of-pocket. I have been searching for a neurologist, a physical therapist and an occupational therapist who have experience in treating patients with GBS. Praise God! Currently, we found a neurologist who is specialized in GBS, and he speaks Chinese!!
I am inviting you to pray with me. My mother and I have been praying regularly, for the following needs:
1. The right physical therapist and occupational therapist. My mother hopes she can eventually hold her grandchild, go up/downstairs, get up from the floor, stably hold on to her bowl/mug, and, last but not least, being able to sew again. (She sewed my wedding gown and my coat in the picture. She was a brilliant seamstress.) She will be in Memphis until May 20th. so hopefully we can start therapy ASAP.
2. Good and affordable medical treatment. She does not qualify for American medical insurance; therefore, we will be paying out-of-pocket for every visit, including therapy appointments.
3. For my mom to find hope in God, Jesus, the true healer!
If you feel led, we are raising money for her medical bills as well. Based on the information I have so far, the goal is $2500, which includes:
$250/one neurologist visit (not including additional testing),
$50 per PT visit (most affordable option so far! Thank you!),
and $50-100 per OT visit *14 weeks (estimated, we have not found an OT yet).
The price may change since we are still looking for therapists.
Thank you, my friends, for caring about us since Oct 2018!! What have I done to deserve a love like this!
"Cast all your anxiety on him
because he cares for you."
-1 Peter 5:7
P.S. the campaign listed "$5000" because we have already raised $2595 previously when she was hospitalized.
GoFundMe does charge a service fee when withdrawing money. So if you want, my Venmo is @joannabananacaptainchina.
Thank you!
Organizer
Joanna Wheeler
Organizer
Memphis, TN
