History:  THE CHARLOTTE GBS/CIDP SUPPORT GROUP

Carolina Art Soiree Organizer and GBS Survivor, Hannah Blanton

 In 2004, the Charlotte GBS/CIDP Support Group was started by Kristin Prentiss and Hannah Blanton. Kristin and John’s son Paul was diagnosed with GBS at 5 months of age. On Easter Sunday, 2003, Paul came down with a viral illness, becoming lethargic and unable to move his legs. Several days later he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with GBS. He was successfully treated yet struggled for years with one side of his body being slower to respond. He is now a healthy and active 6 year old. He continues to wear a brace to help retrain muscles that were damaged at such a young age.

On Mother’s Day, 2003, Hannah Blanton was strolling her children (ages 2 and 4) and noticed her feet were numb. Over the course of a week the numbness/weakness progressed up her body, she could barely walk and was in severe pain. Paralysis set in from her chest down. After a 2 1/2-month hospital stay, IVIG treatment, and intense physical, occupational and speech therapy she relearned how to sit, stand and eventually walk again.

The Foundation brought Kristin and Hannah together and they formed this GBS/CIDP support group about which they are both so passionate.

“We know there is a greater reason we were touched with this illness and that we still have much work to do. Look at the dates of our illnesses – our lives were brought together painfully yet with such a purpose.”