For those who know John Arstrong of Home Pride Inspections who went is now out of commision, please read the following about a funraiser for him
EVENT: FUNDRAISER/BENEFIT FOR JOHN ARMSTRONG
**** GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME (GBS) PATIENT****
DATE: MARCH 24, 2007 FROM 8P.M. UNTIL 1:00A.M.
PLACE: HIGHWAYMAN INN, ORILLIA, ONTARIO
TICKETS: AVAILABLE AT: REAL QUEST REALTY LTD.
**** 19 ANDREW STREET****
**** OR CONTACT: CHRISTINE FREDERICKS AT 345-2377 or****
**** DENISE WORRALL AT 326-7250 ****
**** $20.00 each INCLUDES LIGHT BUFFET,****
**** MUSIC BY DJ STEVE OLIMER, SILENT AUCTION, ****
**** GBS AWARENESS****
DONATIONS: WITH ALL PROCEEDS TO JOHN ARMSTRONG
John Armstrong, a local Home Inspector and co-owner with his Partner/Spouse Betsy Gross of Home Pride Inspection Services, was a physically active, healthy male before he was stricken on December 1, 2006 with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It was originally thought that John had pinched a nerve in his back…only to find that by the next day or two he was partially paralyzed from the neck down. His condition became very quickly critical and required ICU care and a transfer for immediate intervention to Ottawa. This devastating illness struck completely without warning.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an imflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It is characterized by the rapid onset of weakness and often paralysis of the arms, legs, breathing muscles and face. Many patients require Intensive Care Unit treatment, especially if support of breathing is required. Although most people recover from GBS, this can take months or years, and many may have long term disabilities of varying degrees. GBS can develop in any person, of any age, regardless of gender or ethnic background. There has been a suspected link between this disease and the flu shot, but it is unconfirmed. But what is known absolutely is that it is a devastating illness with an unbelievably fast and unexpected onset.
Friends of Mr. Armstrong, Denise Worrall, RPN and Christine Fredericks, a Sales Representative at Real Quest Realty Ltd. have organized a fundraiser/Benefit for Mr. Armstrong. Being self employed, Mr. Armstrong will have no income until he can return to work, which may be up to a year at the earliest. As well, there are renovations and specialized equipment necessary so that John can continue his rehabilitation at home once he is released from the hospital. Mr Armstrong has been fortunate to have excellent medical care, early diagnosis, and proper treatment. Many others stricken with GBS are not so fortunate. For these people the recovery process can be much slower or the illness can be fatal.
John Armstrong has been an absolute inspiration and has faced this devastating illness with unbelievable courage and strength. He is making tremendous progress and is working relentlessly on his rehabilitation. John has won the hearts and touched all those who have encountered him and participated in his care.
As well as a Fundraiser/Benefit, the organizers of this event hope to raise awareness of this life altering medical condition that arrives quickly, lingers much too long and brings tragic consequences to the families, friends and those stricken with this disorder. It is referred to as an uncommon disorder, but the incidence of this devestating illness is much higher than most people are aware of. The organizers are working with representatives of the GBS Foundation to speak at the benefit. There is much to be learned about the symptoms, treatment and seriousnes of GBS. We also encourage anyone who has had or knows someone with Guillain-Barre syndrome to attend and share their stories and receive the support of other GBS survivors.
John Armstrong is loved and respected by all who know him. He is such a likeable, reliable man who oozes honesty and integrity from both a business and personal perspective. He is just an absolutely beautiful person. Please join us in showing him our support, while he battles this devastating illness.
****The organizers are asking for the support of the community by way of donations, purchasing tickets to the event, which promises to be a great event for all…and donation of items for the Silent Auction Table. They also wish to thank their sponsors, The Highwayman Inn, DJ, Steve Olimer and Rose Printing. Please contact Denise Worrall at 326-7250 or Christine Fredericks at 345-2377 if you can support this effort in any way. ****