New Philadelphia man Shares Recovery from Rare Neurological Disorder During Awareness Month
NEW PHILADELPHIA (May 18, 2026) – Tom Adamich is speaking out about his life-altering battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), using his experience to raise awareness during GBS Awareness Month this May.
The New Philadelphia man believes he contracted the rare neurological disorder nearly a decade ago after exposure to a virus while visiting his mother at a nursing home. GBS occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, often leading to rapid and severe symptoms.
What began as what seemed like a minor illness quickly escalated. Adamich recalled early warning signs such as sudden weakness, loss of coordination, difficulty lifting everyday objects, and a rapid decline in his condition.
By the following morning, his condition had deteriorated dramatically. He could barely walk and soon collapsed—losing his ability to walk for the next nine months.
Within days, Adamich had gone from feeling only slightly unwell to paralysis, unable to use his arms or legs.
His road to recovery was long and difficult. After receiving intravenous treatments, he spent months in rehabilitation, relearning even the most basic tasks. From holding a spoon to taking his first steps again, each milestone required immense effort. Adamich said it took nearly five years before he felt truly like himself again.
Now, during GBS Awareness Month, Adamich is sharing his story in hopes of helping others recognize the warning signs and seek treatment early. He emphasizes that timing is critical, comparing the urgency of GBS symptoms to that of a stroke.
Though the condition is rare, Adamich hopes his experience encourages others not to ignore unusual symptoms.
“In cases like this,” he stresses, “time makes all the difference.”