ECU Health Rehabilitation will host its 13th annual Run, Walk and Roll to Independence event on Saturday, Nov. 9, bringing together former patients, their families and community members of all physical abilities. Participants can choose between a 5K or 1K course, with proceeds supporting vital rehabilitation programs. This year’s event carries special significance for Brittany Parker, who is returning not just as a participant but as a symbol of resilience after her own journey through rehabilitation.
In August 2023, Parker was navigating her first week back at work after maternity leave when she began experiencing unusual symptoms. What started as a mild tingling sensation in her fingers and toes on Monday gradually escalated. By the end of the week, Parker felt increasingly weak and fatigued, and by Friday, she could no longer lift her three-month-old baby.
Initially attributing her symptoms to exhaustion or perhaps low iron, Parker realized something was seriously wrong when she struggled to stand and walk. After falling at home, she and her family made the decision to go to the emergency room.
At the hospital, doctors quickly identified the underlying cause of her symptoms: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. The condition can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
“By the time I reached the hospital, I could no longer lift my arms or legs,” Parker said.
At ECU Health Medical Center, she was diagnosed early, and treatment began right away, which helped stop the progression of the disease.
While her physical symptoms improved, Parker faced a new challenge: learning how to do everything again. After two weeks in the hospital, she was transferred to ECU Health’s rehabilitation center, where she began the long road to recovery.
“I had to relearn how to walk and even how to swallow,” said Parker.
The rehabilitation process was difficult, but Parker found strength in her care team.
“Everyone I worked with was amazing, from physical therapists to speech therapists. Melissa, my physical therapist, was so positive and encouraging. She celebrated every small victory with me, which made me want to push harder,” Parker said.
For four weeks, Parker worked tirelessly in rehab, gradually regaining the strength to walk, eat and move on her own again. Her recovery exceeded expectations, and she was able to return home earlier than anticipated.
“Being back home with my kids motivated me to recover even faster,” she said.
While doctors initially estimated her recovery could take up to a year, Parker was walking independently just three months after her diagnosis. She credits her faith, family support and the dedication of her care team for helping her through such a challenging time.
“I was so thankful to have a strong support system around me because not everyone is as fortunate,” she said. “I had such a great experience in rehab, and I want to show my support and tell everyone how amazing they are.”
Now, she’ll be able to do just that at the Run, Walk and Roll event where she will have a chance to connect with other rehab patients and share her perspectives.
“Brittany’s journey from being unable to walk to participating in the Run, Walk and Roll event is a powerful testament to her resilience and the exceptional care she received at ECU Health,” said Kasey Shue, recreational therapist, ECU Health Rehabilitation, and organizer of the Run, Walk and Roll event.
Through her participation, she hopes to inspire others and raise awareness about the importance of rehabilitation services. To learn more about the event and sign up, please visit: https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/NC/Greenville/RunWalkRoll.