In a heartwarming display of love and support, friends gathered to celebrate Ryan Wilson Palmer’s 49th birthday in San Dimas, California. Little did they know, Ryan’s actual birthday was still several months away. His wife, Wendy, wanted to make sure he could enjoy the moment while he still could.
However, just a week after the celebration, Ryan’s health took a sudden turn for the worse. He could barely lift his head or speak. This was a stark contrast to just two months ago when he was fighting wildfires professionally in Northern California.
Recognizing the alarming change in her husband, Wendy wasted no time in rushing him to the emergency room. She noticed that his speech had become different and he was stuttering.
After a month of waiting for test results, doctors finally provided a diagnosis – Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), an extremely rare and progressive neuro-degenerative disorder. Only affecting about one in a million people, CJD is known to be fatal within a year. It occurs when a protein called a prion folds abnormally in the brain, causing toxic accumulation.
Dr. Prasanth Manthena, Chief of Neurology with Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles, compared the misfolding of prion proteins to the art of paper folding. Just like origami, each protein has a specific shape. When they misfold, they trigger a harmful domino effect in the brain.
Although every CJD patient experiences the disease differently, Palmer’s deteriorating condition has been particularly rapid in the past few days. It is a devastating blow for Wendy, who describes her husband as having a “beautiful mind.”
Wendy and Ryan have been acquainted since high school but only tied the knot in February. Their vows to cherish each other in sickness and in health are still fresh in their minds.
As they navigate this difficult journey, the couple is faced with mounting medical expenses that are not covered by their health insurance. In an act of kindness, their friends have started a GoFundMe campaign to help alleviate the financial burden.
Wendy emphasized the importance of providing Ryan with the dignity he deserves. Despite the hardships, the couple continues to celebrate each other’s presence and love. They have learned that if you truly care for someone, you should celebrate them in the present, rather than waiting for special occasions.
As Ryan’s health continues to decline, his friends and loved ones stand beside him, supporting and celebrating his life. The outpouring of love and financial assistance from the community serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is still compassion and kindness to be found.