At 14 years old, Kadence Holthouser was already making a name for herself on the volleyball court. Known for her exceptional skills as a defensive specialist, she was a standout as a freshman at Henry County High School in New Castle, Kentucky, about an hour’s drive northeast of Louisville. Volleyball isn’t just a sport; it’s her passion, her community and a source of pride. But two years ago, everything changed when an unexpected and terrifying illness took her away from the sport she loved and threatened her life.

One Saturday in early March 2023, Kadence began experiencing double vision. Initially, it seemed like a minor issue, but by the next day, her condition worsened rapidly. Her local pediatrician recommended Kadence go to Norton Children’s Hospital.

While the Norton Children’s team evaluated the double vision, Kadence’s symptoms soon escalated to the point where she couldn’t feel her limbs and struggled with balance. After several tests and visits to specialists, it became clear that Kadence was dealing with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s peripheral nerves.

“Guillain-Barre typically comes after having a virus, even the common cold, but sometimes it seemingly comes out of nowhere” said Amanda B. Rogers, M.D., pediatric neurologist with Norton Children’s Neuroscience Institute. “It’s very rare, especially in children.”

As the disease spread, Kadence’s athletic body, which had been so agile and powerful on the volleyball court, was now betraying her. At first, she lost movement in her arms and legs, then should couldn’t sit up. Eventually she was unable to move from the neck down and had to be put on a ventilator to help her breathe. She spent several days in the Norton Children’s Hospital pediatric intensive care unit in a near-comatose state.

“I remember thinking I didn’t want to go to sleep, because I thought I would die,” Kadence said.

The fear and uncertainty were also overwhelming for her family.

“To see your child in that position and not being able to do anything is such a helpless feeling,” said Chassity Holthouser, Kadence’s mom. “Our daughter was slipping away from us.”

But Dr. Rogers and the team at Norton Children’s had a plan.

“The fact that she was at a specialty care center [Norton Children’s] helped in that we had an entire team dedicated to treating Kadence,” Dr. Rogers said.

After undergoing plasmapheresis treatment to filter harmful antibodies from her blood, Kadence began to show signs of improvement. Her strength gradually returned, and she began breathing on her own. By the end of March 2023, she left Norton Children’s Hospital. Over the following months, Kadence had to relearn how to stand and walk.

“It felt like I had to relearn everything from scratch,” Kadence said.

But through all of this, Kadence’s love for volleyball never wavered. Even during her toughest days of recovery, she focused on returning to the sport. When summer 2023 came, Kadence was determined to get back to volleyball, even though she struggled to run or maintain balance.

“I just wanted to be with my friends and feel like myself again,” she said. “Volleyball gave me something to fight for. It was the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Though it took time, Kadence’s body eventually healed, and she regained her strength and mobility. Now a high school junior, Kadence is back to playing volleyball at a high level and leading her team as a starter. While her physical recovery took about a year, she continues to focus on improving every day.

“I’m just grateful for everything I have now. I never take anything for granted,” she said.

As Kadence nears the end of her high school journey, she’s also looking forward to her future. Inspired by the care she received at Norton Children’s, she hopes to become a neurologist or physical therapist.

“I’ve been through so much, and I want to be able to help others who face similar challenges,” she said. “I want to make a difference.”

Looking back on Kadence’s health crisis and recovery, Chassity can’t help but be proud of all her daughter has overcome. She’s also thankful to the team at Norton Children’s.

“The doctors, the nursing staff, you know, our neurologists, everybody is just amazing,” she said. “They’ll be a part of our family for the rest of our lives.”