Vermilion man struggling with rare autoimmune disorder

VERMILION — A young man and his mother are seeking assistance with medical bills as her son battles a rare autoimmune disorder. Joshua Flynn, 21, has Guillain-Barré Syndrome and recently experienced a relapse. Guillain-Barre Syndrome impacts the nervous system, causing tingling, muscle weakness, reflex loss and can lead to paralysis. The immune system attacks the nerve cells, weakening the ability to send signals to the brain, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The family started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help raise $20,000 to assist with medical costs. As of today, more than $9,000 has been raised. To find the account, visit gofundme.com and search for "Joshua's Battle with GBS." The page shows a picture of Flynn in a hospital bed. "His symptoms have come on quickly, and he is losing all feeling in his body," Flynn's mother, Shaunda, said on the online fundraising page. "Joshua is getting worse. He can't stand up now. His body is getting heavy." What causes the syndrome is unknown, and there is no known cure, but treatments are known to reduce symptoms. It can be triggered by other illnesses like the flu, bacterial infections, or surgery. Typically, nerve damage worsens for two to three weeks and stops worsening after four weeks. For those who experience paralysis, most recover within a year. Shaunda said Flynn needs multiple intravenous immunoglobulin transfusions. This type of therapy helps those with weakened immune systems fight off infections. Shaunda said the plasma transfusions cost $90,000 apiece. While they have insurance, it doesn't cover all the costs. "He needs the (transfusions) and physical therapy, but he will recover," she said. "Insurance doesn't cover all of it." Shaunda said if anyone can donate plasma, that would be a help, too. In an Oct. 30 update, Shaunda wrote how her son was still getting weaker. "If he is still progressing, they are going to do a plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) which is more invasive and has a lot more risks." Shaunda said the exchange is similar to dialysis, removing and filtering the blood. Joshua Wertz, who donated to the Flynn family, said on the page he donated because Flynn has been an amazing friend. "I donated because Flynny has always been an incredibly generous guy and an amazing friend. (His) goofy smile and infectious attitude helps anyone who is having a bad day," Wertz wrote. "This is the least I could do to help someone who has been such a big impact on me."