Please help the beautiful Sawatzky Family

Hi, my name is Rosane Perry. I am a Richelle's aunt and I'm hoping to help ease the stress they are under at this devastating time.

If you are reading this, most likely you know how kind, generous and loving Richelle and Karl are. You may not know what tragedy they are going though at the moment. This has happened o suddenly.

Karl went from experiencing tingling in his legs and an upset stomach to paralysis in a span of 72 hours. He is now in intensive care on a respirator and cannot move or talk. He is in excruciating pain. He has been diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. GBS is a very rare and serious disease where his immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system-the network of nerves that carry signals from the brain & spinal cord to the rest of the body. Unfortunately, Karl's case is severe and life threatening. The pain could get worse before it starts getting better. Fortunately, most people do survive and eventually recover but it can be a very slow process-anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. Some never completely recover and experience long-term weakness, numbness, fatigue or pain.

Karl and Richelle are barely recovering from last year's trauma. Their first child was born prematurely with a condition which affected her organs. They have gone through months of ICU, doctors check ups, worry and stress. Now, baby is doing well. Life is looking great. They have just purchased their first home and relocated to the country. Karl is an avid dirt biker and they love the outdoors so this is a bright future.

No one plans for devastation to hit them. This is dejaVu. Within a few months they are back in the ICU and the stress and worrying are overwhelming for them both. In Richelle's words, "Karl has a heart of gold, and would do anything for any one. His sense of humor makes everyone laugh and smile. He loves his music, sports and most of all his new little family. He is a genuine guy." Richelle and their sweet baby girl, that's barely 5 months old, have been by Karl's side every day. It crushes Karl, that he is not able to hold his daughter or even his wife's hand.

On behalf of the family, I am asking for any donation your hearts are willing to give in order to help Karl and Richelle get through this extremely difficult experience. All funds will go directly to the family and will go towards basic daily needs - housing, transportation, food, etc. as well as future needs for rehabilitation and recovery. It could be months before Karl is able to walk or use his arms again. This would be a great relief for Karl, Richelle and their families.

Your gift-however big or small is deeply meaningful and I know that Karl and Richelle will be eternally grateful to you.

It is my sincere hope that this fund not only provides them with much needed financial support, but also shows them an outpouring of support from which they can draw strength during these difficult times. Let's get Karl back out on his bike!