The Wade Event - $17,000 raised!

My name is Bryan Wade Arce, 40 years old from San Antonio, TX. Kimberly Ann is my wife of 20 years, son Caden Rian 19, daughter Brityn Reese 17 and son Rylen Avery 15. I have an undiagnosed condition that is affecting my central nervous system. I am currently under the care of a neuromuscular specialist in Houston. Also, Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland has agreed to take on my case.

Life moves fast until your body says stop. You can walk a straight line until your brain says otherwise. I’ve always been on the go, not one to stay stationary for long until I’m finding the next project, task or activity to do. Even when this all started in April 2022, most of my normal everyday functions worked, I could walk, run, see a golf ball, catch the baseball and hit the fastball.

Health is oftentimes overlooked when we have youth on our side. Symptoms pop up and, as always, we think that it’ll pass and that our bodies will deal with it like it always has in the past.

When my speech became slurred, I came up with different ways to work around it thinking it would pass. “My body will take care of me.” But this time, it didn’t. Each new symptom made it more and more apparent to me, and perhaps more vividly to people around me, that my body could no longer heal. I suddenly found myself needing a cane or a hand to stop me from falling. It wasn’t until then, when a hand is what I needed to keep me standing, that I understood the strength of those around me who care and love me.

The thoughts of possible diseases started filling my head because honestly my symptoms match them all and most of them are not curable. I went from being ready to live and adapt to just wanting answers, answers that I’m still not getting as we ended 2022. Scared of the unknown, scared of what I would be leaving behind, scared of not being prepared. As my faith grew I knew I was on His path. 

I don’t know what the reason is nor do I need to understand it, I just know I’m not alone.

We made it to 2023 and I’ve been hearing nothing but kind words and prayers from family and friends. It has truly touched my heart and makes my uncomfortable moments feel ok. I’ve always wanted to be the one in the background, comfortable in my own way but this condition has let me see that many friends consider me a brother that they care about.

I still have a long road to walk but I know I’m not alone. 

My daily activities may struggle, I can’t take for granted the simple things in life. My family has supported and helped me get through each day. I’ve realized I can’t do everything on my own and I am extremely grateful to everyone in my life.

Thank you all. Bryan Wade Arce