About the creators of this site
The pirates of West Nile, is how this couple refer to their particular pirates. A mosquito inflicted clergyman Rick Gibson with West Nile Neurological Disease in summer of 2007, paralyzing him in three limbs. He subsequently spent six months in hospital and rehab centre.
His recovery has had elements of the miraculous. Three years later, Rick is no longer paralyzed in three limbs--but only two and a half have returned--the top half of his left arm remains paralyzed. However, his former stamina or strength have not returned. He uses a walker and cane, and struggles with post-encephalitis--a particularly wicked thrust on the part of the pirates. They also robbed him of his job, his home, and his community. Life is not the same.
In some ways it’s better.
Though no longer able to do full-time work, as one of the best-publicized West Nile patients in North America (not a title to strive for!) Rick has inspired thousands with his presentations, “Stories from The Nile,” which he tells for the glory of God and the inspiration of others.
Every pirate-fighter needs an ally. Author, freelance broadcaster, speaker, and Christian faith and life columnist, Kathleen Gibson, accompanied her husband into exile, moving into his rehab centre to assist where she could as God and the therapists put her husband back together again.
Kathleen has since published two books, West Nile Diary-One Couple’s Triumph Over a Deadly Disease, and the newly released Practice by Practice, the Art of Everyday Faith.
Through media interviews and speaking opportunities, including appearances on Crossroads TV (100 Huntley Street and Nite Lite Live) the Gibsons have informed and inspired audiences across North America. Their goal in creating this website is to share resources and stories in the hope of encouraging others who have fallen victim to the attack of life's numerous pirates.
Watch the 100 Huntley St. interview
Another interview with CTV
His recovery has had elements of the miraculous. Three years later, Rick is no longer paralyzed in three limbs--but only two and a half have returned--the top half of his left arm remains paralyzed. However, his former stamina or strength have not returned. He uses a walker and cane, and struggles with post-encephalitis--a particularly wicked thrust on the part of the pirates. They also robbed him of his job, his home, and his community. Life is not the same.
In some ways it’s better.
Though no longer able to do full-time work, as one of the best-publicized West Nile patients in North America (not a title to strive for!) Rick has inspired thousands with his presentations, “Stories from The Nile,” which he tells for the glory of God and the inspiration of others.
Every pirate-fighter needs an ally. Author, freelance broadcaster, speaker, and Christian faith and life columnist, Kathleen Gibson, accompanied her husband into exile, moving into his rehab centre to assist where she could as God and the therapists put her husband back together again.
Kathleen has since published two books, West Nile Diary-One Couple’s Triumph Over a Deadly Disease, and the newly released Practice by Practice, the Art of Everyday Faith.
Through media interviews and speaking opportunities, including appearances on Crossroads TV (100 Huntley Street and Nite Lite Live) the Gibsons have informed and inspired audiences across North America. Their goal in creating this website is to share resources and stories in the hope of encouraging others who have fallen victim to the attack of life's numerous pirates.
Watch the 100 Huntley St. interview
Another interview with CTV
