Suzan and John Jennings
After years of intensive therapy, Suzan Jennings now walks with a cane and has a positive outlook on life that is truly inspirational. “I draw my inspiration from Michael J. Fox,” Suzan remarks. “What I ask is, why not me?”
This March marks the five-year anniversary of Suzan being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Suzan and her husband, John, light-heartedly refer to the disorder as “Getting Better Slowly” syndrome.
GBS is a rare neurological disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. This can be triggered following a surgical infection, or by a flu-like illness or a stomach infection.
GF Strong Rehab
The program at GF Strong helped Suzan work on gaining control and movement of her body. By the time she left the program she was able to walk short distances, with the help of a walker. “The staff at GF Strong are phenomenal.” Suzan said when remembering her time in the program.
The staff who worked with Suzan remember her fondly, especially her positive attitude. “She worked really hard in her sessions and had a great attitude,” said Marian Cayer, a physiotherapist at GF Strong. “Her positive attitude is why she recovered more than we expected.”
Suzan attributes where she is today because of the staff at GF Strong. “If you did not have places like GF Strong people wouldn’t have the same opportunity to heal,” she said.
Suzan still lives with residual effects of GBS, but has learned to adjust her lifestyle to accommodate the changes. Her eyes are still sensitive to bright lights, but Suzan simply embodies her inner rock star and wears sunglasses more often.
Looking on the positive side
Even though GBS completely changed their lives they both see two positive changes in their lives. Suzan stopped smoking five years ago, without any withdrawal symptoms, and they both have an entirely new outlook on what is important in life.
Suzan and John now dedicate their lives to helping people in whatever way they can. They both volunteer as liaisons for the GBS Foundation of Canada, providing support for patients and families during a difficult time. “I’m keeping my deal with God,” said Suzan. “If I got through this I would help others.”
That promise has evolved into Suzan and John writing a book about their experience with GBS, the good and the bad. The book, titled “Paralyzed Without Warning: A Couple’s Journey Back from Guillain-Barre Syndrome”, chronicles their journey through recovery.
Suzan and John will be at Chapters on Robson St. this Sunday, March 31 at 3 p.m. for their book launch. A documentary about their journey will also be shown for the first time.
A new mantra Suzan lives by is making a difference, one step at a time. “Take every day as it is given to you,” Suzan said. “Do whatever you can to help yourself and to help those who are helping you.”