Waukesha Bartender With Rare Nerve Illness Needs Help

WAUKESHA, WI— You probably crossed paths with Bahman "Ali" Khanmohammadi if you frequented the Waukesha scene over the past four years, particularly the People's Park gastropub.

Khanmohammadi, 41, was a server there before he became a bartender. "In my job, I try to relate to people," he told Patch. "I don't just walk up to someone and take their order."

The popular bartender has been described as active, adventurous and generous. Now the Milwaukee man needs the generosity of the public as he deals with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare illness in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.

Khanmohammadi's daughter, Jaclyn Khanmohammadi, created A GoFundMe to help the unemployed bartender with medical and other expenses. As of Monday afternoon, it had raised more than $22,000.

Ali Khanmohammadi came home from a jiujitsu class in April feeling achy and in a lot of pain. Within an hour, he realized something was wrong, and he went to the hospital, the GoFundMe page said.

Doctors said that Khanmohammadi had a pinched nerve and would heal up within a few days on steroids. But by the end of his visit, he began to lose mobility and sensation in his right leg.

Khanmohammadi experienced sudden and nearly complete paralysis overnight. He woke up in the middle of the night and realized not only was he unable to move his right leg but he also couldn't move his left leg and left arm, was able to lift his right arm only slightly, and he couldn't move his hands or fingertips, the GoFundMe page said.

The doctors diagnosed Khanmohammadi with acute Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Khanmohammadi said that he can't receive any vaccines — including the COVID-19 vaccine — because they have the effect of lowering the immune system at first. "I can't make myself susceptible to anything," he said.

Khanmohammadi is being given multiple plasma transfusions over the course of two weeks in the hospital and will have inpatient and outpatient treatment after that for several weeks.

Some people with Guillain-Barré syndrome recover quickly after treatment, but others may take more time, he said. "The good news is they [doctors] have seen this before, and people have recovered," he said. "The bad news is they can't ball park it."

Good Karma

The outpouring of support is humbling, and Khanmohammadi was surprised at the anonymous donations, he said. "It makes me feel like good karma, if you are a believer in good karma," he said.

As a young man, Khanmohammadi got into trouble, he admitted. As an adult, he became more grounded and now is active in the community.

Every December since 2014, except for 2020, Khanmohammadi organized a "Hot Chocolate and Coffee for the Homeless" event. He and his friends and volunteers stood outside the Milwaukee Rescue Mission in freezing temperatures for hours to hand out food, warm beverages, hats, gloves, jackets and toiletries to those in need, the GoFundMe page said.

"I think the universe has a way of working around if you have done good or not," Khanmohammadi said.

Khanmohammadi expressed gratitude for his fiancee, Tiffany Habeth, and his daughter, Jaclyn Khanmohammadi.

Donations Appreciated

Since his diagnosis, Khanmohammadi has been able to move his right hand, though not enough to grip anything. He can move his left arm a little bit. He can't move either foot and has been trying to wiggle a toe without success, he said.

He needs assistance for most things, such as sitting up or rolling to the side. "I'm pretty much paralyzed and can't do anything until my body starts waking up," he said.

Unfortunately, Khanmohammadi will not be able to work as a bartender anytime soon.

"We would truly appreciate any donations possible to help get this very loved man back on his feet," the GoFundMe said. "We understand times are tough right now, so if you aren’t able to donate we would greatly appreciate a like and share of this link on any and all platforms!(Also mailed cards are appreciated! DM for addy)Thank you so much for your time, love to all and be well."

A fundraiser for Khanmohammadi is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 6 at The Destination, 218 E. Main St.

Editor's Note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.