Support Ivan Fight Guillain Barre Syndrome

*Through hours of head nods, shoulder shrugs, and re-writes, Ivan approved the letter below. *

Greetings, I am Ivan Lesefka, a firefighter and paramedic, but on September 7th, life threw me an unexpected curveball - I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Imagine this: one moment, I'm at the firehouse, tirelessly serving our community, and within just 24 hours, I became a resident of the ICU, fighting for my life.

GBS, a condition I barely knew existed, began with the subtle numbness in my hands, feet, and legs. In the blink of an eye, that numbness crept up my chest, paralyzing me completely. I couldn't move, couldn't open my eyes, but my mind remained as sharp as ever. GBS, a ruthless condition, attacked my body by destroying the protective myelin sheath covering my nerves, causing my immune system to turn against itself. It's a relentless foe that strikes randomly, leaving devastation in its wake, and there's no cure.

Fast forward to today, I'm seeing daily improvements. Thanks to five plasmapheresis treatments, I can now move my extremities and achieve seemingly small yet monumental feats like swallowing, fist-bumping a nurse, and kicking my legs. These actions, previously taken for granted, are now milestones in my recovery.

But this journey is far from over, and it requires specialized care. I dream of returning to my duties as a Firefighter/Paramedic, but that path involves air/ground transport due to my health. My destination for rehabilitation, is Shepherd Center Rehabilitation in Atlanta, Georgia, which is a crucial step towards my goal.

Hence, I've created a GoFundMe, something I never imagined doing. I believe in transparency, just like you do, and I want you to know exactly where your contributions will go. The cost of air/ground transport, with quotes averaging $5-$10,000. I've also allocated $10,000 to support my wife, Shannon, who will be with me during my rehabilitation, covering expenses like accommodations, travel, and incidentals. Eventually, it will necessary for her to travel back and forth between Georgia and Virginia, due to her also being a FF/Paramedic.

Additionally, there's a need for $6,000 to manage my hospital bills in 2024. While I've saved for this year, I must prepare for the possibility of hitting the catastrophic cap again next year. This journey isn't a sprint; it's a marathon, and I'm committed to doing whatever it takes to regain my independence and return to the career I love.

Looking ahead, more costs are on the horizon - another year of rehab, essential tools to adapt to reduced mobility, in-home care during outpatient rehab, potential wheelchair and house modifications, transportation to medical appointments, and various home adjustments. Any extra funds will be channeled into addressing these needs.

Your contribution, no matter the amount, will make an enormous difference in my journey. If you can't contribute, please take a moment to learn about GBS so you're aware of its existence. I pray that you never have to experience it firsthand.

I know that asking for help isn't easy, but for the chance to reclaim my life and career, I humbly make this request. These are my words, and while I can't type, I wanted my voice to be the one to reach out. Thank you for considering supporting my journey towards recovery and renewal.