Hope for Gemmas Stem Cell Dilemma
My name is Gemma. I’m a 32 year old Special Education Teacher from Ireland. At 19 years old I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Over the last 13 years I have suffered many debilitating symptoms including vertigo, balance issues, kidney problems, chronic heat intolerance and vision disturbance. There are no medications available in this country that can stop the progression of this disease. With highly active MRI scans I fear my future of the unknown. Unfortunately it is highly likely that MS will claim my independence, mobility and take my future away, with little our health system can offer to stop this illness.
Thankfully, HSCT, a stem cell transplant and Chemotherapy, could help halt the progression of MS. This treatment is not available in Ireland and is only on trial in the UK. I do not meet the criteria to be referred to the UK under the Treatment Abroad Scheme.... but I have been accepted to go to Puebla, Mexico on July 17th for a 28 day HSCT treament that will allow me to live a life free from MS.
Dr.Ruiz has performed this treatment for over a decade for patients with MS and is one of the leading professionals in this area. The health care system in Ireland will not financially support this treatment. Instead they wish to keep me on life long medication that costs the state approx. 100,000 euro per year per patient and only works to reduce relapse rate not progression. HSCT will in total cost approximately 75,000 euro. A one time payment for a one time treatment. Please support this cause with any amount you can offer. I need this opportunity to prevent my MS progressing. Help get me to Mexico!
