Kristelle Crane- Fighting with Guillain-Barre

Hello friends and family,

I have set up this GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Kristelle, Paul, Lily and Charlotte Crane in a time of extreme need. Kristelle was recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and this diagnosis has completely changed their lives.

On Monday, December 18th , 2023 Kristelle woke up like any other day, happy, healthy and full of energy. That morning, she kissed her husband (Paul) and 2 daughters (Charlotte and Lily) goodbye and headed to work like a normal day. While at work, she noticed her toes and feet suddenly becoming numb. She pushed through the day and went to bed that night very worried about her symptoms. The next morning, her numbness/tingling had spread up to her legs and hands and she immediately knew something was wrong when she couldn’t find the strength to hold or pick up her daughters. She rushed to the ER and as she was waiting, she could feel the numbness and weakness becoming worse and ascending into her body. She was admitted for further work-up but the initial testing wasn’t too specific, so the neurologist attributed her symptoms to “stress” and "lack of sleep". She wasn’t started on any empiric treatments such as antibiotics or immunotherapy and was recommended discharge to a rehab facility given her weakness and inability to walk. For those who know Kristelle, you know she is not one to complain about anything, make others worry, or bring any attention to herself, however she knew something was really wrong, so with the help of her husband, Paul, she was able to advocate and get a second opinion the next day by a different neurologist, who finally diagnosed her with Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS). 

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the nerves. The exact cause is not known, but it is usually triggered by a bacterial or viral infection. Weakness, tingling and numbness are usually the first symptoms and these sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing the whole body. There is no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but there are several treatments that can reduce the duration of the illness. Recovery may take weeks, months and even years and includes intensive rehabilitation with occupational and physical therapies.

Currently, Kristelle is hospitalized at Hoag in Newport Beach and is in the ICU for close monitoring given the rapid progression of her illness. The weakness and numbness that started on her toes have now progressed into her face, leaving her fully paralyzed. She cannot tolerate anything by mouth and currently has a feeding tube. Thankfully, she is still breathing on her own and we are praying that this illness starts responding to the treatments more promptly, and that we start seeing more stability and trend towards recovery. However, given how aggressive this disease is, we are not sure when she will begin to improve. We are taking it day by day.

Kristelle is a fighter and we are all very optimistic that she will make a full recovery, however the road ahead is uncertain and best case scenario, recovery will take a few months, possibly years. She will need to completely relearn how to move, walk, talk, eat and carry on the activities of her daily living.

I have set up this GoFundMe campaign to ask for your assistance in raising funds to help cover the expenses associated with Kristelle's medical expenses, future road to recovery and to help her family with any other unforeseen expenses that may arise.

Paul, her wonderful husband has been doing everything in his power to be present for Kristelle and their 2 girls, especially during the holiday season.

On behalf of Kristelle, Paul and her 2 beautiful daughters (Charlotte and Lily), I want to express my deepest gratitude for your help. No donation is too small. If you can’t contribute financially, please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers and consider sharing this campaign on social media.

Thank you for your time, love, kindness, prayers, support and contributions.

Lidia