If you knew Shawn before his diagnosis, you know he was very active. Sadly, in 2019 he started having health issues that no one could get to the bottom of. For two years he was under the impression that he had an inner ear disorder that would eventually get better. However, he continued to get worse as the days passed. We ventured out to a Free Clinic in Anniston, AL that really seemed to care about him and his condition. They did a physical evaluation and determined that what he had was not conclusive with an inner ear disorder. Tests were ordered. MRI of the brain, brain stem, blood work, lumbar puncture, etc. So many tests. On November 22nd, 2021 it was confirmed that Shawn had a progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis. This explained why his condition worsened so rapidly. The lesions on his brain were abundant. The doctors can't explain why he has MS, but did say had he not been misdiagnosed for so long and begun treatment earlier they might have been able to slow the progression down. Unfortunately, that was not the case. He has been getting treatment for the MS, but there isn't a change in his physical abilities. There might not ever be a change in his physical abilities and that has been challenging for him to come to terms with.
Before MS, Shawn was a very active person. He loved playing with our daughter and nephews, kayaking, hiking, working to provide for his family, and driving. All of these things that we take for granted on a daily basis have been taken from him. He cannot drive or work due to constant vertigo he feels. He cannot walk unassisted because he is rapidly losing feeling in his legs. He has to use a wheelchair when we go out. He carries bruises and scars from falling and getting hurt. However, that isn't what hurts him the most. He longs to be able to get out and play with our daughter in the yard, go for walks with us as a family, and be able to take a wheelchair onto tough terrain.
Shawn has found a wheelchair that would give him the ability to do all the things listed above. The GRIT Freedom Chair. However, the price is steep for a one-income household. We are starting this spotfund to try to raise money to get him this wheelchair. We appreciate any and all donations made to him for this cause. We are hoping that being able to get outdoors again will help him both mentally and physically.
