I Am Beautiful/OvercomingMS

My sister Kay Robinson has Muscular Sclerosis, also known as MS.  For 20 years Kay has suffered more than any young woman should. 27 years of Kay's life was as normal as any other American girl, teenager, and young woman. She was born in Dallas, Texas and grew up partly in West Dallas, near Singleton Blvd. and Westmorland Rd.  Kay's family returned to Tyler, Texas in the mid 70's.  Kay attended Rice, and Whitehouse elementary schools, Hogg middle school, and John Tyler high school. In the late 90's a series of physical attacks, sexual harassment, the death of her father, and the end of her relationship left Kay emotionally drained and depressed. After admitting her to Parkland Hospital's psychiatric ward Kay was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and schizoaffective behavior.  A dual diagnosis that would lead to a decade of toxic, mind-altering, antipsychotic medications that have had a devastating effect on my sister.

While there were manic episodes, and seriously unanswered questions about the actual diagnosis, Kay continued to function and live on her own.  I brought her to California to live with me 2001, she wanted to return to her beloved Dallas, Texas. It wasn't until Kay was admitted to the State Hospital in Terrell, Texas and given the extremely dangerous medication Flazaclo that would strike the most unforgivable blow. Haldol and Flazaclo, also known as Clozapine seem to have favorable benefits at first. But a series of physical and emotional side effects were to soon follow. Kay's walking ability became compromised, dragging one leg behind. Her speaking voice was reduced to a whisper. Her cognitive reasoning abilities were stifled and reversed to a child like quality.  Then she was struck with Muscular Sclerosis (MS), and later stage 1 breast cancer in 2018, losing her left breast. Fortunately, Kay is a fighter. She still has a desire to get better. She wants to feel better. To live a life with dignity and self-respect. To be a human being with a better quality of life.  

Kay is in a 24-hour nursing care facility because she is no longer able to live at home given her physical demands. And as much as nursing homes do their best to support the many residents that live in their facilities, there are tremendous limitations. Kay is often left in her bed all day with little to no exercise. The muscles in her legs have atrophied. Her upper body strength needs a recharge. Her ability to communicate her needs effectively often means that she is the last person cared for. Fortunately, her family members are her advocates and act accordingly in times of need. But Kay needs more help so that she has the ability to ask for what she wants and needs. To move, to walk, to speak.

While there have been countless doctors and experts to give opinions, few have been able to offer real answers as to what happened exactly. What happened to Kay? For me, it’s the levels of toxicity and dangerous side-effects of psychiatric medication responsible for the shift in her cognitive abilities. 

There is hope. 

Stem Cell Therapy is any treatment that uses or targets stem cells. Many types of stem cells are being explored for their potential benefits for treating multiple sclerosis. The method is still experimental. We are learning. We are also seeing great advances. Even more research is being done to determine the effectiveness of the current therapies for people with MS. I believe my sister will benefit from the most recent stem cell treatment. 

Insurance does not cover the $6000.00 - $8,000.00.  My goal is raise $10,000.00 to accommodate the therapy, travel, and necessary follow up. 

3000 people contributing just $3.00 - $5.00 each would reach $9,000.00 - $15,000.00. The price of a Starbucks cup of coffee and a a slice of pound cake could help Kay Robinson walk again.

I am asking for your help.

Thank you in advance,

Addison K. Witt