On February 11, 2021 I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome. Within a matter of hours after being admitted in the hospital, I was paralyzed from the neck down and intubated. Little did I know, I would be in for the longest fight of my life. I was intubated for 34 days and then had a trach placed. I transferred over to Lifecare Hospitals of Dallas to be weaned off the ventilator for almost 6 months. I spent 3 more months in other rehab facilities, and by the grace of God, I was able to come home for Christmas. This year, I coded (heart stopped) three times. I didn't have any bright light or heavenly memories, I just remember waking up knowing how much I wanted to live. Being with my family for Christ's birthday was more than I could ask for.

Starting off 2022 at home was great, until it wasn't. As happy as I was to be home, it brought on a whole new set of challenges. I dealt with more emotionally than I was expecting. I thought being home meant I would get better faster.  I did not. Progress with this disease is terribly slow. My mind wanted to be the Shawn who everyone knew. But as the year went on, we would see progress here and there. It gave me hope. When I came home, we set up a schedule for my dad, Kenneth, to come every Monday afternoon, my cousin, Jamie, to come Tuesday afternoon, my Aunt Sandy every Monday and Wednesday, my daughter, Destiny, on Thursdays, and any other day that she could. Finally, in September, we met Sarah Austin, a certified physical therapist. Working with her has been a game-changer. My partner Villa and I can't thank everyone enough for loving me and being here through it all. Being thankful is an understatement when it comes to how grateful I am for everyone.

As we move into 2023, I am so much stronger. I can sit on the side of the bed for 4-6 hours, work out on my blue mat for 30-45 minutes, and can lift and move my arms more than ever. However, my whole entire body is asleep. Anytime anyone touches me, it's like when you take a step on that sleeping foot—ouch. Unfortunately, since I was self-employed and had cheaper insurance, we have had so many obstacles getting insurance approvals for daily medical supplies, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, inpatient stays, etc.  I've had funds donated from our first Go-Fund Me and a fundraiser from the Somsith Foundation that paid and covered these expenses. With that being said, the last part of 2023, we are focused and excited to get me Stem Cell Treatment outside of Texas. We will be hosting different events and fundraisers to try and gather the funds needed for the trip. Please subscribe and follow us on this journey. I'd love to meet you and say hello. 

Please message me at gettingbacktoshawn@gmail.com, Facebook, or Instagram.

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