💙 Stronger Than GBS: Team Liontis

Welcome to Dennis & Family’s Give InKind Page If you’re here, thank you. Dennis’ Story This family never imagined life could change so quickly. Literally, overnight. Dennis woke up on July 18th, unable to sit up, stand, or walk. Rachel called 911, and Dennis was rushed to the local hospital. Within a couple hours, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and was being intubated and airlifted to Advent Daytona, where he has remained in the ICU and on life support. Since the beginning of this journey, he has endured multiple procedures, setbacks, and countless days in the ICU. Through it all, he has continued to fight with remarkable strength, and we remain hopeful with every small victory. While Dennis continues his recovery, everyday life has become a balancing act for the family. Between hospital visits, caring for home responsibilities, work, and simply trying to be there for one another, preparing meals has often become one more challenge during an already overwhelming time. If you’d like to help, providing a meal is one of the most meaningful ways to ease the daily burden. At this time, our family kindly asks that meals be ordered through a restaurant, takeout, or delivery service rather than homemade dishes. This helps accommodate changing schedules, dietary needs, and food safety considerations while Dennis is medically vulnerable. We are so grateful for your understanding and generosity. Whether you’ve been praying, sending encouraging messages, checking in, sharing Dennis’ story, or simply wondering how you can help, please know that your support means more than words can express. During one of the most difficult seasons of their lives, Dennis, Rachel, and Aiden have been surrounded by an incredible village of love, and they are deeply grateful. A Medical Update Dennis continues to fight every single day. He now has a tracheostomy and is breathing more on his own, though he still requires oxygen through his trach. Every milestone is hard-earned, and every bit of progress is celebrated. As of yesterday, Dennis is able to move his shoulders a little, lift his head up and down, and turn it from side to side. He is also mouthing words, allowing him to have short conversations with those around him. Within the next few days, Dennis is expected to leave the ICU and move to the long-term care floor. When he is strong enough, he will continue his recovery at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, where he will begin intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other specialized rehabilitation. Although these milestones are encouraging, Dennis continues to endure excruciating muscle pain as his body heals. Recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome is a marathon, not a sprint, and the road ahead will require patience, perseverance, and hope. Despite everything he has endured, Dennis is aware of the incredible outpouring of love from family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even complete strangers. He is deeply thankful and genuinely touched by the support surrounding his family. As Dennis recently mouthed, “Good things to come.” Those four words have become a reminder that even on the hardest days, there is hope. There is progress. There is a future worth believing in. How You Can Help As Dennis continues his recovery, Rachel is balancing hospital visits, being present for Aiden, working when she can, and preparing for the long road ahead. One of the greatest gifts you can give right now is taking one thing off her plate - a meal. If you’d like to provide a meal, the family has found that restaurant takeout, food delivery, or grocery store gift cards work best for their current schedule and changing routines. This offers the most flexibility while they’re traveling between home, the hospital, and appointments. Please know this preference is simply to make things as easy as possible during this season, and they are sincerely grateful for every act of kindness, no matter how it’s given. If you’d also like to brighten Aiden’s day, he has been incredibly strong through all of this. He loves playing Xbox and hasn’t been able to spend as much time with his friends since transportation has been difficult while the big focus has been on Dennis’ care. Xbox gift cards are a wonderful way for him to stay connected with his friends online. Dave & Buster’s or GameTime gift cards are another great option, giving him something fun to look forward to and a chance to get out of the house when the opportunity arises. Whether it’s a meal, a gift card, a prayer, or simply sharing this beautiful family’s story, every act of kindness means more to them than you know. Thank you for loving this family so well. Thank you for reminding them they are not walking this road alone. And thank you for believing, alongside them, that there are… Good things to come. 💙