HONOLULU -- Professional baseball player Benny Agbayani is trying to gather support for champion body boarder Jacky Buder, who has been paralyzed by a severe nerve disorder.

Buder is known for his "drop-knee" style of boarding. Late last year, he was mysteriously stricken with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The condition left him paralyzed and unable to breathe without a respirator.

Agbayani said his friend can now talk and move parts of his body.

"I think being an athlete with his body and trying to recuperate and trying to train your body how to do everything. I think it's an easy process for him, but it'll take a long time. But, his body is going to react a little bit quicker than a normal person would be," Agbayani said.

Family and friends of Buder will be holding a fund-raiser at Pipeline Cafe on Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at all Town and Country Surf shops, Kings Cafe or $15 at the door. Proceeds will be used to help pay for Buder's medical expenses.