This week’s Hometown Hero, presented by Hendrick Southpoint, is chef Isaiah Allen from The Eddy pub in Saxapahaw!

Isaiah was recently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and required treatment at UNC Hospitals. Local members of the community took it upon themselves to organize a block party at CrossTies Bistro & Beer Garden to raise funds to support Isaiah and his family.

“I had no idea what it was until it happened to me,” Isaiah said. “Late January, I went to work and my hands started going numb. I procrastinated on it like I normally do and just kind of put it off, associated it with something else.”

Isaiah said it wasn’t until he woke up with his face paralyzed that he went to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help his family with expenses and nearly $10,000 has been raised so far.

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