Regaining movement while never losing humor

While traveling in New York State, North Carolina resident Drew Katona was struck by a sudden and severe onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare, incurable condition that damaged his nervous system, completely paralyzed him, and took away his speech.

A social, outgoing person, Drew’s happiness and affable personality shine through in his colorful language and storytelling, so losing the ability to communicate was devastating.

The lingering paralysis still affects his speech, but it hasn’t diminished his sense of humor. Drew is still recovering, having relearned how to communicate and slowly regained mobility—a complex journey that included five months at two Good Shepherd Rehabilitation hospitals.

Drew and his wife, Yvonne, finally returned home in September 2025. A two-day trip became an eight-month saga.

Drew and Yvonne still have big plans while he continues his physical recovery. They hope to travel to southern France to see the lavender fields in summer. They want to revisit Paris and Rome, their favorite cities. Pennsylvania is on the travel list, too.

“My goal is to walk back into the rehab up [in Center Valley] and scare the … out of everyone again!” Drew said excitedly.

Laughing, Yvonne added, “We want to thank everyone up there.”

To read the full story of Drew’s ongoing journey, visit goodshepherdrehab.org/drew.

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