David Helm

Hi, my name is Acasia and a family friend of the Helm Family. I’m starting this Go fund in hopes of providing some relief and financial help for David and Sandra so that they can fully prepare themselves for the road ahead.

As some of you may know, David is one of

the most active 64 year olds you’ll ever meet. He’s the rock and the glue of his family, with serious marriage goals! On Tuesday, July 4th he was admitted into CMC and after many tests later, he was diagnosed him with Guillian Barre’ Syndromes, Doctors have said this is one of the worst cases they have ever seen and have prepared them for the best and the absolute worst outcome! He will unfortunately have a very, very long road ahead with learning the simplest tasks as his ABCs. He’s currently not even able to communicate but his family knows he can hear them so they ask for any voice messages to help encourage David to keep fighting!

We know these times are tough but more than anything we ask for prayers for David and his family as they prepare for the worst while fighting for the best! Any and all donations will be directly sent to Sandra so she can mentally and emotionally be there for her husband without the worry of financial burden.

*LATEST UPDATE* 7/18/23

*Update from Ellen*

“I walked into Dad’s room yesterday to his eyes open and alert. I was so shocked I didn’t know what to say, so an excited “Hey Dad!!” was the best I could come up with at the time. Today he was able to stick his tongue out to answer “yes”, blink, lift his eyebrows, mouth things to us, and roll his eyes when we couldn’t understand what he is trying to say. As funny as it is to see him dramatically roll his eyes, it makes me realize that each phase of his disease and recovery is going to bring on so many feelings of helplessness for us and him.

I finally understood what he was saying and why he wanted his phone… he wanted to see what he looked like. I asked him if he was sure and when I showed him he mouthed “what happened?” So much to tell him yet I was speechless on where to start. Also, very grateful at the same time that he does not remember the extreme pain we saw him in.

I know it is so hard for him to understand but just these few movements and improvements (something so small to him) is so huge in our eyes.

Today was the first day that the Dr.’s felt overall positive about where he is. He still has a very long road ahead of him. He is still in Neuro-ICU and should be moving to a step down unit in the next few days; even though we’d love for him to stay where he is bc the staff on the 9th floor ICU is phenomenal. Right now we talk as if it will be a year. (Going off all our research, experiences others have had, and listening to each Dr.)

One Dr. did tell us yesterday that they don’t expect a full recovery. He said this categorizing Dad as a normal patient; he does not know the determination this man has in everything he does. Instead, we are setting our goals at a full recovery in time for him to walk Brittany down the aisle next Memorial Day weekend.

As for prayers, please pray for the paralyzation to continue to recede. He still is unable to lift his head or feel anything below his shoulders. He is still on the vent; they are waiting for him to start taking breaths by himself over the trach before they try to begin weaning him off. This means we need the paralysis to continue downward so he can work on the strength of his diaphragm.

Please pray for patience, lots of patience. We want our fun, active dad/husband/granddad back and I know he is ready to feel better… yesterday.

Please pray that when the time comes he is in the right mind frame and ready to fight harder than he ever has before.

Please pray that with each new phase during this journey we are able to get past the feeling of helplessness and keep a positive attitude to support and encourage him.

I wish I had the words to explain how loved our family feels. We are beyond grateful for everything everyone has done and continues to do. I tried to tell him today but I don’t think he will fully understand how loved he is until he is able to see for himself. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

*UPDATE* 7/16/2023

“First off I would like to thank everyone for the amount of support you have shown my Dad and our family. In such a tough time we are so touched by everyone’s outpouring of love, support, and prayers. We keep reminding him that he has so many people rooting for him, more than he could ever imagine.

As far as his progress, it’s hard to pinpoint at the moment. Some Dr.’s are hopeful and some, not as much. This is a huge roller coaster ride of emotions for all of us, especially my mom. As reality starts to set in please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as well.

He had the tracheotomy and peg placement surgery, Friday afternoon. When he returned to the room he was opening his eyes and able to move his mouth (he is probably very sore after having his mouth open and big tubes in there for a week). There are times he can blink or move his eyebrows to follow commands. He has even made eye contact a few times! The neurologist told us that these movement are hard and very exhausting for him to make. We are thrilled he is trying but also trying to understand the reality that this is the very beginning to a long road of recovery. His Dr. is happy for each movement but “ not pleased” that this is the only progress thus far. He stated “Well I’m not pleased to say the least, but at the same time I’m pleased to see some movement.”

He will still be in the hospital for at least a couple of weeks. At the moment they are not doing more ivig or plasma replacement as those come with their own set or risk. Since we are starting to see some movement and pain (bad for him but good for the regression of GBS) they still want to wait and see how far the first ivig takes him. Once the Dr.’s see fit he will be evaluated for the next step. Best case scenario is rehab. Realistically thinking, it will probably be a long term care facility where he will still get rehab therapy until he is strong enough to move to true “rehab” status. Worst case scenario will be a nursing home.

As you all know my dad is one of the most active 64 year olds most people know. His recovery is going to be as much of a mental battle as it will be physical. He does not sit around. As you keep him in your prayers please pray for him both physically and mentally. We are relieved and happy to start seeing movements again and praying things slowly continue to improve.

This morning his neurologist shared his favorite prayer that his dad used to say with him bc it is very relatable; “Dear Lord, give me patience when I want it now”.

If you have any questions or are unable to visit and would like to send a voice message to him just message me directly. He is able to hear and understand all that is being said; he is just trapped in his own body. I can’t begin to imagine what it must feel like. Again, thank you so much for the prayers, please continue them.

Love you all!”