Steve McCann MS Medical Fund

Steve McCann is a 35 yr old father and husband in the Yakima area. He has been steadfast in his dedication to his local community for over a decade, working as a Radiological Technologist at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and a Clinical Instructor of Radiologic Sciences at Yakima Valley College. His hard work, dedication, and compassion has aided thousands of patients in his tenure and has been passed down to over 150 students throughout the years who are now also valuable assets to their communities and in the medical field. Additionally, Steve has been faithful to the local area church community by serving in leadership, small groups, and food banks for over 10 years.

Now Steve needs help from the community he has supported and dedicated so much of his life to. In August of 2016 Steve was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, the most rare, insidious, and rapidly progressive form of the disease. Male patients with primary progressive MS have the worst prognosis, with less favorable response to treatment and rapidly accumulating disability. The higher incidence of spinal cord lesions in primary progressive MS is also a factor in the rapid development of disability.

Steve currently has multiple large lesions throughout the C-spine, almost the entire T-spine (parts of the spinal cord running down the back), the corpus collosom (the very center of the brain that connects the two hemispheres), and in the cerebellum (the back portion of the brain which regulates muscle control, coordination, and balance). As a result hearing, walking, and fine motor control have become increasingly difficult.

Steve's current ability to work and maintain daily function is a testament to his strength and resolve to stay positive in the face of such a prognosis. Though Steve's quality of life will be drastically cut short, his desire to continue to serve Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, his community, and his students will remain steadfast as long as he is able.

We are asking for help in offsetting the current and ongoing medical expenses that have rapidly accumulated as a result of Steve's diagnosis. The family is already in a backlog of medical costs stemming from surgeries his wife, Jamie, had in 2013, 2015, and 2016. This new diagnosis has pushed the family to the limit though Steve continues to work and his wife seeks employment.

Any amount, great or small, will provide much needed relief for Steve and his family as they restructure their lives to accommodate the future. Much love and heartfelt thanks.- The McCanns