Shonne’s GBS Road to Recovery

GOAL: $35K

Friends and Family of Shonne Pierce

The Backstory

In April, Shonne was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome(GBS), a rare autoimmune syndrome that attacked her nervous system. Prior to Shonne’s diagnosis of GBS, she was a vibrant woman who lived life to the fullest! Shonne was employed as a flight attendant which allowed her to travel often. Her degree in social work allowed her to fulfill her strong desire to help children. She was extremely conscientious about her health and fitness. In addition to a maintaining a healthy diet, she went bike riding and running on the levee of the Mississippi River at least three times a week. Shonne had a passion for fashion with a beautiful personality to match (all who know her will attest to that!). She loved spending time with (and cooking for) her family and friends. 

Unfortunately, GBS has made this all impossible for Shonne as all she is left with are memories of the life she once had. However, her strong faith is what is helping her persevere! 

GBS began to show its face on April 26, 2018, just a few weeks after Shonne’s birthday. She began complaining of loss of feeling in the heels of her feet which quickly progressed to severe neck pain. A few hours later, Shonne was unable to swallow or breathe. She was admitted to the hospital that same day. Within 24 hours, Shonne was intubated and airlifted to Ochsner’s Neuro ICU where the worst was soon to be seen. The generalized weakness she had been experiencing progressed to total paralysis. Shonne was trapped in her body, unable to move or speak. Mentally, she was aware. Aware of pain that she could not convey. Weeks passed before Shonne was able to communicate (through eye blinks). She was prompted with yes and no questions to locate and describe her pain, if and how she needed to be moved, and so on. Four months later, Shonne’s progress since has been slow and steady. 

The last 100+ days have been a life changing experience for Shonne. Shonne has progressed through the many phases of GBS butunfortunately her journey is far from over. She is currently in physical (to learn to walk again), occupational (learn how to perform daily activities, e.g., hygiene, fine motor skills, etc.) and speech therapies.

The Costs

We are reaching out to you, Shonne’s friends and family, to help with the cost of continued therapy that her health insurance doesn’t cover. We are hoping to raise $35,000 to help her cover those costs.

How You Can Help

Any donation you give will be greatly appreciated! Your prayers are also needed. You can also help by sharing this fundraising page with your friends and family and on your social media pages.

Thank you!!!!!!!!!

#ShakeBackShonne