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The Ashland(Boyd County) GBS/CIDP Support
Group
In June, 1999
it began with pins and needles in my right foot and
slowly escalated from my foot up the right side of
my entire body and down the left. After being to two
hospitals, I finally was diagnosed. I had never heard
of this illness and was terrified I would die. My
mother fed me my food. My family and friends helped
with everything from bringing in food for my family
to helping clean my house. My daughter was afraid
that I might never walk again, yet could do nothing
for me. I felt like a 37-year-old newborn. It literally
landed me on my back. I had always gotten up and worked,
sometimes two jobs. Then I was able to do nothing.
I had nothing but time to think and wonder "WHY".
The GBS/CIDP Foundation was contacted by my family
and literature was sent to me. I wasn't alone after
all.
After
occupational therapy, physical therapy, thousands
of hospital and doctor bills later, it was suggested
that I look into the foundation and perhaps become
a part of a group/chapter. I thought they were crazy,
but the thought kept entering my mind over the next
several years that this might be something of interest
to me. Now I have started the Boyd County Chapter
and will be holding chapter meetings, at the library
where the Walk-A-Thon will take place a few weeks
after the Walk-A-Thon. I hope to help raise awareness
of this illness and meet many new people along the
way. This is my first Walk-A-Thon and I hope to see
you there…
Dedicated to my mother, Sharon E. Kettel(1943-2006)
The GBS/CIDP Foundation International
The
Foundation has been acknowledged by the Voluntary
Health Agency Community as being amoung the top in
the field, and has been acclaimed as one of the few
organizations where 100% of donations are used for
the purpose for which they are collected. GBS is a
world-wide disorder. There is a need for better education
of the medical and lay communities about this disorder,
as well as better treatments. Additionally, because
of its probable auto-immune nature, increased knowledge
of GBS may well lead to a better understanding of,
and treatments for, other auto-immune disorders.
A little bit more about "The Miracle Mile"
We
call this the Miracle Mile because so many of us affected
by GBS/CIDP thought we would never walk again, much
less complete a mile! It is truly a miracle that these
folks are walking - please join us in celebrating
their success at the finish line!
All proceeds from this 3 mile Walk-A-Thon and Miracle Mile will go directly to GBS/CIDP research and advocacy.
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