Kenn Gapac, an Information Technology employee at INQUIRER.net, is battling Guillain-Barré syndrome
MANILA, Philippines — Kenn Gapac’s kind demeanor and sharp skills help keep the gears of INQUIRER.net running. He works diligently in the Information Technology department to help ensure that the public is kept informed.
But Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare condition that attacks the peripheral nerves, is now threatening his life.
Kenn has been in the hospital for almost 10 days.
“On the sixth day, they saw on the exam that it is GBS. The first thing on my mind was fear, because some people get paralyzed, but it was a good thing that I was immediately brought to the hospital,” said Kenn.
Kenn is a naturally athletic person who loves to exercise. Nowadays, however, Kenn has difficulty moving.
“Everytime I try to stand, I feel like I’m going to fall. And my body is super weak,” he said.
According to the World Health Organization, GBS can affect people of all ages and gender, but adult men are most vulnerable. The most severe cases can result in near-paralysis or difficulty in breathing.
“Guillain-Barré syndrome is potentially life-threatening. People with Guillain-Barré syndrome should be treated and monitored as quickly as possible; some may need intensive care. Treatment includes supportive care and some immunological therapies,” said WHO.
WHO said most people can make a full recovery even from the most severe of cases. Kenn also said that the treatment itself is not painful.
But treatment is costly. Kenn said costs are estimated to reach P900,000, with a lengthy recovery time of three to six months of physical therapy.