Join the friends and family of Kirk Keller as we help ease the burden of his prolonged hospitalization and rehab. On October 22nd, Kirks friends will ride in his honor. For those unable to ride yet still wish to help, please contribute above. 100% of the proceeds are donated to Kirk and his family. Come out and help a fellow motorcyclist. This donation page will be active until 1/31/2016.
**To clarify, this page is for donations only. The terms "registration" and "register now" are a by-product of the software we're using to run this event. If you wish to register for the ride, please visit this page.
Why We Help
Our friend and fellow rider, Kirk Keller, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) on 16 June 2016 following an upper respiratory infection. In GBS the body mounts an autoimmune response which attacks the myelin sheath of the peripheral nervous system. The results vary, patient to patient, but GBS is life threatening. Guillain-Barré Syndrome patients can suffer paralysis of extremities, face and respiratory system. Kirk is four months into his recovery. He still suffers from paralysis of his arms and partial paralysis of his hands and mouth and tongue. He is currently undergoing physical, occupation and speech therapy. His recovery may take months, possibly a year or more.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a devastating disorder. Its onset is sudden, it is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention, ICU confinement, repetitive plasma exchange and high-dose immunoglobulin therapy. Once stabilized, patients face a lengthy recovery period. The majority of patients can recover from the paralysis. Months of rehabilitation are required and patients face an extremely difficult emotional adjustment to the sudden paralysis. Needless to say the diagnosis, treatment of and rehabilitation from Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a complex, extensive and expensive endeavor.
About Kirk
Kirk married Cindy Rosefielde in 1988. They have a son, Sam, who is a junior in college. Kirk is a Project Manager for BB&T.
Cindy is a contract lawyer with Met Life.
Kirk began riding as a teenager. He currently rides a beautiful blue HD Heritage and a Ducati Monster and is active in both the local Harley and sport bike communities.
Throughout this difficult period, Kirk has displayed an amazingly positive attitude and outlook. He has set goals and attacked the challenges, physical and emotional, with determination and his well known hardheaded manner!
