Sister Paralyzed w/ Rare Condition

On June 5th, my sister Kara woke up paralyzed in a place far from home. After she was rushed to the hospital, the doctors told her she had contracted a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The onset of the disorder was very sudden. Just the night before, Kara started feeling ill and had tingling sensations in her hands and face. She decided to sleep it off but woke up the next morning unable to move. At the hospital, she was sedated and intubated for severe pneumonia, which further complicated her condition.

Right now, my sister, our mother, Dawn, and I are in Spain. Kara originally came here to explore the country. She is a young, motivated and hardworking Flinn Scholar who studies physiology at the University of Arizona Honors College, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity meant the world to her. Unfortunately, GBS cut her trip short just days after her arrival.


Why Our Family Needs Your Help to Bring Kara Home

I do not know how long I will be able to stay with my sister since I am in school myself. As a medical student, I know her condition can require months to years for a full recovery.

All we want is for Kara to be able to come home and get the best treatment available so she can regain her strength. However, the only way this is possible is if she is air evacuated to Arizona. The cost of the emergency flight back to the United States will now be covered by insurance, however, out-of-pocket medical expenses, physical therapy and transportation/housing for our family is $100,000. This is why I am seeking your support.

If you could find it in your hearts, it would mean the world to us if you would be able to spare anything you can afford. If not, we completely understand. Please share her story with as many friends and family as possible and keep her in your thoughts and prayers.


Thank you so much,

Ryan & the Dunn Family