11/06/2025
Jim’s Triumph Over Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Jim Farrington’s life changed suddenly when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease that attacks the immune and nervous systems.
"I was one of the top ten worst cases in the country. The disease progressed very quickly and within a couple days, I was paralyzed from the neck down and was placed on a ventilator and feeding tube."
Arriving at North Ridge, Jim admits he was hesitant and wanted to be at home. But he quickly discovered that his voice mattered, and the staff listened.
"When I first got to North Ridge, I wasn’t excited to be here, I wanted to be at home. All-in-all it was a fantastic experience, and everyone was awesome to me. Sue and Ely in therapy are, without a doubt, the best therapists I have ever been exposed to."
With the support of the therapy team, Jim made remarkable progress. He began regaining strength and independence and learned the importance of perseverance.
"I really love the people at North Ridge. They worked so hard and I saw it; I watched them run themselves ragged. I was there to get better and get home and they helped me do it. Everything I improved upon, everything I accomplished was a step closer to independence, and I couldn’t have done it without them."
After leaving North Ridge, Jim faced the challenges of rebuilding his life. Even simple tasks required effort, and mistakes were part of the process. But he pushed himself to regain independence, determined not to rely on others.
"I’m truly not the same person that I was before all of this began. At that time, I was weak and frightened, but I was also ready, ready for the oncoming battle. If I wasn’t making my own meals and doing my own chores then I knew I would never build my strength and I would never get better. I was using a walker at home, and I would tip over sometimes, but I always got back up, and that was the most important part. Within a couple of months, I was able to walk up and down the stairs, and it scared the heck out of my family."
Jim’s journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is about courage, community, and the will to persevere, and we're so proud to have been a part of his journey.
