Saturday, May 18, 2013

Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Community gathers to support Ishpeming man recovering from rare disorder
Posted: 11.25.2012 at 12:08 AM
Updated: 11.26.2012 at 7:55 AM
0
Photo

MARQUETTE -- The Marquette area community gathered Saturday to help an Ishpeming man recovering from a rare neurological disorder.

Branden Billings, 28, held a fundraiser at Flanigan's Bar in Marquette to raise awareness for his disorder, Guillain-Barre, and to help raise money to cover hospital bills.

Numerous local businesses donated prizes that were raffled off. The event also included a silent auction, a chili cook-off, and a karaoke contest.

In May, Billings was stricken with the disorder, which paralyzed him from the neck down in a matter of days. After months of treatment, he is mobile and doing much better.

Flanigan's was packed with friends, family, nurses, and therapists, all to support Billings.

"The support is indescribable, it's great," said Branden Billings. "It's the best feeling you can ever have."

To learn more about Billings and his disorder, click here.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Human Trafficking: It's here in the U.P.
Kelsey Niemisto  |  Today at 10:25 AM  |  9 comments
Thumbnail
St. Vinny's embezzler sentenced
Dustin Bonk  |  Today at 10:30 AM  |  6 comments
Thumbnail
Woman who crashed car into train pleads guilty
Yesterday at 7:05 PM  |  3 comments
Follow Upper Michigan's Source
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Check This Out!
Best Bets
See what the experts have to say.
Automotive
Check out the Automotive section of Best Bets.
Live Chats
Check the live chat replays and see a new one Wed.
Recreation
Check out the Recreation section of Best Bets.
ADVERTISEMENT