TrueStride Forward: A Year of Unyielding Resilience and Renewal

Soon, the clock will strike midnight on December 31, 2025, I pause to honor a year that redefined my existence. It began with the brutal onset of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in May 2024—a rare autoimmune disorder, attacking the central nerves system, at a rate of 1 in 100,000, that left me paralyzed within hours and confined to an ICU for months. Yet, 2025 became a testament to TrueStride Forward: a deliberate, adaptive march through chaos, inspired by principles of checks and balances—assessing issues, assembling the right team and tech, evolving plans, and pushing toward recovery. This past year blended science, technology, and human spirit in ways I never imagined.

An Emotional and Physical Roller Coaster

2025 was a whirlwind of highs and lows, where physical therapy and occupational therapy became my normal. The emotional toll was relentless—days of drained energy left me questioning everything, but my mind raced with mantras like "If we don't use it, we lose it" and "Move forward." Progress came in hard-won increments: balancing for five minutes, taking 20 assisted steps with machinery, each victory hardcoded into my brain as proof of advancement. Science played a starring role; plasmapheresis treatments cleared attacking antibodies, aiding nerve regeneration that doctors likened to rewiring a complex system—much like debugging faulty code in my IT career.

But the year's challenges traced back to 2022, when a former employer launched a barrage of lies and accusations to mask their own shady practices and insecurities. Their pursuit was merciless, demanding depositions while I was intubated and voiceless, turning recovery into a dual fight against disease and deception. This "shots fired" moment amplified the emotional roller coaster, fueling a fire to reclaim my narrative. Culturally, it echoed shifts in corporate accountability and scandals, where transparency battles opacity. Technology sustained me: iPad eye-tracking and voice communication tools bridged my isolation, allowing reconnection after six months disconnected from screens. These tools weren't just aids; they were lifelines in a digital age, reminding me that health recovery demands both body and mind.

Bonds Forged in Fire

GBS didn't just test me—it reshaped those around me. I suspect there were conversations and fears unspoken, especially in the dire early days when the future seemed uncertain. Yet, their love became my greatest strength, a fundamental pillar hardening bonds. My family's unwavering presence—coordinating visits from all parts of the planet, offering encouragement and collective caregiving. Totally blowing my mind as I lay aware and not being able to comunicate. Friends, too, stepped up with messages that compounded my healing, turning isolation into connection. This support wasn't one-way; it inspired me to give back, recognizing how adversity reveals true alliances. In a world of fleeting digital ties, GBS highlighted the enduring power of human relationships.

A Profound Shift in Perspective

Life post-GBS looks nothing like before—every activity, from lifting a cup to sitting at a screen, is reimagined. Technology has been paramount: accessibility software like eye-tracking reconnected me to society after months offline, evolving from basic communication to building stuff that will reshape my future. This mirrors broader cultural shifts, where post-COVID wellness tech (e.g., telehealth, dictation tools) has democratized recovery, blending science and innovation. Health-wise, GBS's nerve-damaging path taught me the body's resilience, with therapies drawing on STEM advancements in neurology. 2025 redefined balance, prioritizing presence over productivity.

Honoring Unsung Heroes

During the December Holiday month, we arranged an in-person event at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles to thank the team who cared for me during my GBS battle. Returning to express deep gratitude to the CNAs, registered nurses, respiratory nurses, and therapists, occupational and physical therapy therapists, and doctors who turned up day after day with smiles, encouragement, and dedication amid the challenges I faced ahead.. I shook hands, hugged, and embraced them, showing the fruits of their labor through my regained strength. It wasn't just a thank-you; it forged an emotional bond, highlighting their role as unsung heroes in my recovery. This intimate gathering, sparked conversations on rare diseases, underscoring care workers as true heroes in healthcare's cultural evolution.

Special Thank You

finally as I wrap up my thoughts and thanks for 2025 none of it could have been possible without the special care from Walt and his team at Senior helpers in Granada Hills. I don't think of myself as a senior yet, but Walt and his team came through day after day week after week month after month and lived by my mantra, supporting me in every way possible. The dedication that these folks provide outside of the medical system is truly invaluable. I'm very thankful to have been in a position to have them in my life during this recovery process. Walt leads an amazing team with Nick and Susana. Thank you Susana in particular, I know I subjected you to lots of rants as I got my voice back lol. You truly made this past year just that little bit easier for me and the family.

Not forgetting my extended family all over the world, back in Australia, the United Kingdom and here in the United States thank you! To my friends, just to name a few, Karl, Vache, Matt (all 4 of you) Anna, Karen, Guadalupe, David, Brett, Rob, Peter, Allison, Sam, Steve and many more, Thank you

Looking Ahead to 2026

2025's lessons — resilience for loved ones, evolved work-life balance, and future investments — set the stage for a year of sharing and giving. I'm very much looking forward with what's next.

TrueStrideForward!