Lisa's Multiple Sclerosis Battle

Meet my friend Lisa Allen. Lisa was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when she was just 28 years old.  In the seven years since then, Lisa has lived her life much the way she had – until this spring, when Lisa began to experience a severe MS episode. We hope her story, determination and strength battling this often hidden disease inspires you to make a donation that will help Lisa win her battle.
 
On May 6th, Lisa woke up unable to walk, talk or feed herself.  She was rushed to the hospital, spent a few days there and then had to go to rehab.  After what felt like forever, Lisa was able to go home and her friends and family have been providing assistance, encouragement and love.  Thankfully, she appeared to be improving each day. 
 
But then on June 9th, something went horribly wrong.  All her progress was wiped away; she lost control of everything again and this time it was even worse.  She returned to the hospital; where they had to provide serious support including a feeding tube. 
 

Essentially and frighteningly, Lisa became a prisoner in her own body.  After a number of tests and consultations at the local hospital, Lisa was transferred to a hospital over an hour away because they specialize in MS.  This very experienced neurology team was amazed at how fast the lesions in her brain were growing.  In fact, they suspected a brain tumor might have been growing inside a lesion. 

 There are a number of problems people with MS worry they may experience: blindness, loss of mobility, cognitive issues and so many other consequences of the disease.  However, brain surgery is not something that is expected!  Yet, that is what the doctors told Lisa and her family was needed.
 
They prepared themselves and everyone who knows Lisa and many who don’t began praying.  The good news of no tumor brought sighs of relief, but it also brought many questions – starting with what’s next?
 
After numerous consultations, the answer to what’s next was decided.  Lisa would undergo a series of chemotherapy treatments, which was seen as a remedy for MS many years ago.  Lisa was able to return to a rehab center closer to her home and family, but she would have to return to the hospital over an hour away for each treatment and a number of follow-up appointments.  Given her condition, Lisa has to be transported by ambulance each time – an expense not covered by her health insurance. 
 

We are asking you to make a donation to help cover these mounting medical costs so Lisa can continue to receive the care she needs, focus on her rehab, and not worry about finances.  Your donation will make a difference and here’s how we know.

 After just one treatment, Lisa showed significant signs of improvement.  She could move her arms and legs a bit and her speech was notably better.  After her second round, Lisa could also hold her head up and she took 5 steps during a rehab session.  
 
This seems to be putting her in the right direction to recovery, but she still has a long road ahead of her, including four more chemo treatments.  The progress feels slow to Lisa and losing her hair from the chemo feels like an added evil twist, but to those who have been by her side are amazed at how far she has come – and we are asking for your support.  Can you please make a donation to ensure Lisa’s continued treatment?
 
Lisa is a fighter.  Exhausted at the end of a session, Lisa still wants more physical and occupational therapy.  She is determined to walk again so she can walk her awesome dog, Zoey, and chase her godson Tyler and niece Brianna, around the yard. 
 
Lisa is strong-willed and strong-minded.  She’s not one to let others speak for her so we all want her to regain her speech so she can share her story herself and finish that story with, “I won this battle with MS and I’m grateful for your help.”