Main fundraiser photo

Medical Bills/New Wheelchair

I am a 40 year old new grandma with Guillain-Barre Sydrome.  (or at least so far that's what they think).  I've been in a wheelchair for 18 years and have always been able to get along fine until recently.  Over the past year, my legs have gotten more and more painful and tight.  I have seen several doctors, had a few tests, and am on several different medications, all to no avail.  The pain has gotten so bad that pain killers don't really help.  I'm also on muscle relaxers that aren't doing much good, either.  I can't sleep at night, and can barely move during the day.  I'm basically in my own prison - my body.

They are sending me to U of M in Minneapolis for further testing and to hopefully finally figure out what is wrong so I can get some relief. 

I am extremely excited to be going to U of M in hopes that they will be able to figure out what has been ailing me all these years.  I was originally diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome in December of 1997 at which time I was paralyzed from the neck down and spent a total of 6 months in the hospital.  After that I went to Physical Therapy, but it never really did much good.  We never really found out what was really going on inside my body.  Now, with all the new symptoms and troubles I am having, I am very hopeful that they will be able to help me.

U of M in Minneapolis is a 7 hour trip from my home.  Whatever funds I receive will be put towards food, gas, and hotel rooms during the what I am sure will be many, many trips down there.

I live on disability and already don't have a lot of money.  I'm not very comfortable asking for help, but in this case I am willing to do so if it means I will feel better and be able to take care of my grandson for a long time.

I've always been such a strong woman.  Even after the illness hit me.  Just because I am broken physically, doesn't mean it could break my spirit or change who I am inside.  However, I am not stupid.  I know when it's time to ask for help, and now is that time.  I have an amazing opportunity with a chance that they can actually find out what's really wrong with me, and maybe even find a way to get me up and out of this chair again.  With that on my mind, I'm willing to do just about anything to make sure that happens.  Since I am physically unable to work or generate income right now, I am forced to ask for help.  This pains me a great deal, but, I try to remind myself of all the people throughout the years that I have helped, even when I had nothing.  Not that I ever did those things with any kind of expectation of anything in return, but I definitely took it into consideration when I created my Go Fund Me page and started feeling bad about needing help.

I've always been stubborn and that kid who said "I can do it myself!"  So, it's very difficult for me to not be able to do it myself.  I jump at the chance to help others who are in genuine need of help because I know exactly what it feels like to be that person.  I've never looked down on them or thought they were bad people for asking, so why should I feel bad for asking for a little help, too?  I shouldn't, and I'm trying very hard not to.

Luckily gas prices have gone down considerably and I drive a very economical car, but there are still going to be food and hotel expenses that will go along with the trips to U of M in Minneapolis, and I have no idea how many trips I will need to make, but considering it's been almost 20 years and dozens of doctors and none have been able to figure out with any certainty what's going on with me; I'm guessing they are going to have a little trouble, too.  Each visit is going to cost at least between $2-300, and that's if the trip is only for one day and one night.  I just don't have that kind of money laying around.

I raised my daughter by myself her whole life, and now she has her own son, and is doing well for herself. I still do whatever I can to help her, and that is why I babysit my grandson for her when she goes to work so she doesn't have to bring him to day care.  She can't afford it, for one thing, and I just don't think he should go to strangers when he can come and be with his grandmother who loves him.  Plus, he keeps me going and helps me forget about my ills for a while.  I would love to be able to continue to take care of him for a long time to come.

So, if anyone can give anything, I can't express enough how grateful I will be for every little bit of help sent my way -- even if it is in the form of sharing my Go Fund Me link on your Facebook or Twitter:  http://www.gofundme.com/gramashannon

In return, I promise to keep you all updated with pictures and videos and entries along the way about all the trips and appointments and progress we make. I'm doing whatever I can to keep my head above water and not slip into depression while also keeping a positive outlook that they will be able to help me.  Even if they can just help relieve the pain and get my legs to straighten again I will be forever happy.  Ultimately, I would love to be able to stand and walk again, and ideally get stronger and be able to walk unassisted again!  How amazing that would be after almost 20 years to be able to hold my grandson on my hip and run through the rain puddles with him or take him sledding in the snow or swimming in the lake!  I keep that hope alive, and will never give up.

Organizer

Grama Shannon
Organizer
Grand Forks, ND

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.