Help John Glace Fight a Neurological Illness

My dad, John Glace, has always been an imposing figure. He was an offensive lineman in high school and college. This Father’s Day was the first time I’d ever seen him look skinny. His clothes appeared oversized, his voice was weak, his every step seemed measured. Mysteriously, he’d lost 25 pounds in just a few weeks and his primary doctor was beginning to grow concerned. Obviously, something was wrong, but we had no idea what the root cause was or what was coming.

A few weeks later, John lost consciousness while driving. At the hospital, he was admitted to the ICU and intubated to aid his breathing. My father could no longer speak, eat solid foods, or even breathe on his own. That was on June 26th.

Doctors have put my dad through a battery of tests and still haven't reached a confident diagnosis. So far, their best guess is that he has an acute auto-immune neurological disorder (probably Guillain-Barré) exacerbated by a seemingly benign bout of COVID-19, which impacts his diaphragm function and breathing.

Progress has been inconsistent. A few weeks ago, it looked like he might get released after spending most of the summer in the hospital. Plasma treatments had improved his condition. He was eating and talking again, gaining strength, looking more like himself. He was determined to attack functional rehabilitation and looked forward to further recovery at home.

On August 16, after eight weeks of hospital care and just hours before he was supposed to come home, my dad’s oxygen levels dropped again. As he moved in and out of consciousness, the hospital staff was forced to readmit him to the ICU. He has since been transferred from a small hospital in suburban Philadelphia to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to receive more specialized care and treatment from world-class neurologists.

Obviously, ten weeks of medical care with more to come will be expensive — even with insurance coverage. My dad has been forced to step aside from work, a sole proprietorship offering various clients strategic marketing and business development strategies. Once he's finally back home, he’ll still require additional physical therapy to regain adequate functional strength. The future may be uncertain, but his readiness for the fight is not.

My dad and my entire family could use your help. Any amount you can contribute toward his treatment and recovery is greatly appreciated during this uncertain time.

Thank you,

Bennett Glace