Support for Chris Dew

Hi, my name is Anthony Perona. I am the incoming board president for CASA of South Central Missouri, an organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in Missouri's 25th judicial circuit. Chris Dew is our Executive Director and has been with us for less than a month. Chris also pastors Anointed Faith Tabernacle in Cuba, MO. Chris is very caring and compassionate and will do anything for anyone.

On Tuesday, December 6th, Chris went to the Phelps Health emergency room with tingling and severe pain in his extremities, including his neck and head. Doctors ran tests but were unable to come up with a precise diagnosis. After consultation with a neurologist, it was determined that Chris most likely had contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), an auto-immune disease that attacks the nerves. Chris had already lost the ability to walk. His symptoms worsened so that he couldn't raise his arms or hands. Gradually, the tingling became numbing and continued moving into his body, paralyzing him. The doctors moved Chris into the intensive care unit (ICU). He needed to be at a hospital that could treat him for GBS.

On Friday, December 9th, he was airlifted to St. Luke's Hospital in Chesterfield, MO and placed in ICU. He struggled to rest for more than 10 minutes at a time. Chris was also having a rough time breathing. On Saturday, December 10th, he was intubated. On Monday, December 12th, Chris was given a plasmapheresis treatment, the first of five. Hopefully, this disease is in the plateau phase. Chris will likely need to be in ICU for at least a few more days and in the hospital longer.

The road to recovery for GBS patients is typically very long. Recovery can include many days, months, and even years of physical therapy. Many patients have to learn to walk all over again. We hope and pray Chris doesn't have to endure prolonged treatment. This disease is likely to take a substantial financial toll on his family. Rachel, Chris' wife, is unable to work right now in light of these circumstances. We don't know when Chris will be able to return to work, but it's not likely to be soon without divine intervention. Please pray for such and that God heals Chris! Whether or not you know Chris or his family, please consider giving to help them through this challenging time.