Honoring Matthew McDonald’s Inspiring Recovery

Supporting Sheltering Arms and shining a light on Guillain-Barré Syndrome

When: Thursday April 23rd 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: The Broadberry 2729 W. Broad Street, Richmond, 23220

Free Valet, Live Music, Open Bar & food by Fifty One Pizza
Tickets $50 Per Person. Register Below.

Hi Friends and Family!

As many of you know but not everyone may be aware, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) on June 29, 2018, in the emergency room at Bon Secours Saint Francis Hospital. By the next morning, I was essentially paralyzed from the neck down. I spent 15 days in the hospital before being transferred to Sheltering Arms inpatient hospital, where I spent the next 48 days working toward recovery.

On August 31, 2018, I was discharged – 63 days since the emergency room visit. The greatest moment of all: I walked out – with assistance, yes, but I walked out. None of my rehab care team expected that to be possible, and the only reason it was possible is because of the extraordinary care and services I received at Sheltering Arms. I was one of the lucky ones who had the chance to find my Power to Overcome.

GBS is a rare autoimmune disease that most people have never heard of until someone they know is diagnosed. The same is often true of Sheltering Arms. Today, my family and I are committed to raising awareness for GBS while also celebrating the life-changing impact Sheltering Arms has on its patients. Too often, we do not realize special care facilities like this exist, places that give people their lives back. I had never heard of GBS or Sheltering Arms until that day in June 2018. Now, looking back, I know that Sheltering Arms is the reason I can live a life beyond limits and, most importantly, take care of my loving wife and our three amazing daughters.

My family and I invite you to join us on April 23, 2026, at The Broadberry to raise awareness for GBS and to support Sheltering Arms. Incredible rehab centers like this survive because of community support. This cause means so much to us, and we hope you will join us for an evening of music, food, community, and generosity.

With Love,

Matthew McDonald

We hope to see at the event, if not please consider participating by making a donation.

Thank you for supporting me, my family and Sheltering Arms. Your gift means the world to us!