A 16-year-old high school football star has tragically died after battling a rare disorder. As reported by People, Gunnar Redding Bible was suffering with Guillain-Barré syndrome, alongside pneumonia and lupus.
Loganville High School, where he played football, announced his tragic death. "After a long and courageous battle, Gunnar transitioned Wednesday [May 27]," the statement read. "Thank you, Gunna, for your strength, your heart, and the impact you made on your team and our community. You will be never be forgotten."
They added, "Please join us in keeping the family and our community in your thoughts and prayers." The high school also reportedly had a balloon release event to honor him.
Bible's mother, Teresa, posted in a GoFundMe last month that he had been admitted to hospital. He was then "diagnosed with Guillain-Barré, pneumonia, and lupus."
In a heartbreaking statement, she explained that "He is only 16, has been an athlete his entire life, and now he is incapable of moving his limbs. He has been on a respirator since admission."
As of June 5, the fundraiser has raised almost $10,000. This includes donations raised since his tragic passing. Donators have sent their well wishes in accompanying messages.
One donator wrote, "There are no words. May the love of Jesus and the support of your community be a tiny measure of how loved you and your son are."
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What Were the Disorders the Football Star Battled?
You may have heard of pneumonia, which is not a disorder but a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are inflamed. But you may not have heard of either lupus nor Guillian-Barré.
The former is, according to the Mayo Clinic, is an autoimmune condition wherein "the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs."
Guillian-Barré, however, is "a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves." It can "cause weakness, numbness, or paralysis."
All three of these conditions together left Bible in a tragic state. According to his mother, he was left "only able to communicate with blinks" as his condition deteriorated.
May Bible rest in peace.
