Help Hal Recover from Botulism Paralysis! ❤️

Hello everyone,

Ricki here - I'm fundraising on behalf of Hal Kimball! 

Hal contracted severe botulism on December 8th, 2023, and he's been going through a painfully slow and difficult recovery process. Botulism is an extremely rare and potentially fatal disease caused by bacteria that can grow in anaerobic environments. Once the toxins from the bacteria (Clostridium botulinum) get into a person's system, it usually causes paralysis. Only about 110 Americans are affected by botulism each year - meaning that the odds of getting it are about 1-in-4-million in the USA.

As we start this GoFundMe campaign, it's already been almost 2 months since Hal first found out he had botulism. He was intubated (on life support; assisted breathing) for almost 3 weeks before he was able to tranistion to a tracheostomy tube (incision in the neck where a breathing tube is placed). He couldn't even move his head back and forth, let alone any limbs during that entire period. 

But things are looking hopeful! Hal is very slowly regaining movement in his face and neck, along with early signs of finger and foot motion. One of the worst parts of botulism is the ongoing pain - as nerves slowly heal, the pain experienced by Hal increases with them. Thankfully, Hal is now at a care facility in Portland, Oregon, where he's working on getting his mobility back - minute by minute, day by day. 

The doctors are saying Hal has serious work ahead of him to make a full recovery - and his progress to date is promising. It is estimated that Hal's recovery will be close to a year, due to the fact that he contracted severe botulism (it's usually closer to 3-6 months for 'typical' levels of toxin exposure for botulism).

That's where we come in! While Hal is doing his best to stay positive and focusing entirely on wrangling his nerves into re-growing themselves, he acknowledges that he can't do this completely on his own. The medical bills are stacking up very quickly, and monthly bills don't stop for paralyzed people. 

We're calling upon the community to donate towards Hal's medical bills for those that are able to do so -- anything and everything helps! The last thing I want is for my best friend to feel financially hopeless after spending months and months struggling to regain bodily motion. All of the money will be going primarily to his medical bills, and secondarily to his various life expenses that are piling up while he cannot work.

I (Ricki Schneider) will continue to provide updates on this campaign. I try to visit a couple times each week since I'm currently living in Oregon. 

Reach out to me with questions and I'll be glad to respond! 

Let's make it easier for Hal to keep his head up (both literally and figuratively) through this insanely difficult recovery ❤️❤️❤️