Pheinix Eitle has found a friend in our Director & Chief of Public Safety Jerome Klue. Clinical staff connected the dots that they both have the same rare condition that affects the nerves and immune system: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
GBS first attacked the Seneca East High School freshman’s feet, hands and chest with numbness and tingling on Aug. 26; then, he lost his voice, and within 3-4 days he was paralyzed and on a ventilator.
“Faith in God and medicine has gotten us to where he is now,” says Angie Eitle, Pheinix’s mom. “We have a lot of questions and have to take his recovery day by day. You just don’t know with nerves.”
Chief Klue has provided comfort and hope during a time of need for Pheinix and his family. Klue was diagnosed with GBS at age 28 so the hardships of learning to walk and talk are a distant memory that Pheinix, at just 15, is facing right now.
Pheinix and his mom Angie enjoyed activities on Halloween at the hospital.
Angie said Pheinix is working hard in rehabilitation and doesn’t have pain anymore. “He can breathe on his own, and his speech and mind are fine. His feet are still numb but he’s getting feeling back everywhere else.”
During a recent visit together, Pheinix was excited to receive a new basketball from Chief Klue that said, “Get Well. You Can Do This!”
Everyone’s goal is to get Pheinix back on the court!
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