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Please help us eliminate essential tremors

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I am a 63-year-old Army veteran, suffering from familial tremors, also called essential tremors.  I'm one of 11 children, 8 of whom inherited tremors from our mom.  I first started noticing my hands shake when I was about 55 years old.  I'm to the point now where I have a hard time writing and I'm having difficulty playing the guitar or typing on the computer, due to shaking... and I've been playing guitar for 55 years.  I love playing the guitar! And, as this disease progresses, everyday simple activities will become more and more impacted: eating, holding a glass to drink, etc.  I know this first-hand because I witnessed the advances of this disease in my mother.         Please play video.     Focused Ultrasound Treatment 

I'm being treated by a neurologist who has prescribed a drug Propranolol, which I have been taking for several years.  However, it makes me extremely tired and it is beginning to lose effectiveness.  I'm losing control of motion and developing noticeable shaking in both hands, even while on the medication.

I recently learned of a treatment called focused ultrasound, which uses sound waves directed to the area of your brain which controls movement.  This is non-invasive surgery and it eliminates the need for prescription drugs.  The treatment is FDA Approved and has resulted in almost miraculous results for many people.  However, there can be up to a two-year waiting list, and the cost of treatment ranges from$30,000 to $33,000.

I recently found out that United Healthcare, my healthcare company, will not cover any cost of this treatment.  Does anyone know a healthcare company that will cover focused ultrasound?  We would like to know.

Some of my siblings are in worse shape than I am.  I found a clinic in Florida that will treat me right away and they have told me that they would offer a family discount.  I'm concerned that at least two of my afflicted siblings do not have any health care.  I'm trying to raise money for me and my brothers and sisters so that we can lead a normal life as we get older.

I'm hoping someone might be able to help us out.  Since this procedure is somewhat innovative, I would like to be the first one in our family to have the treatment and blaze the way for the others.    To all those who are in a position to help, we really do appreciate your kindness.  Thank you!
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Donations 

  • Melissa Messner
    • $2,000 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Tom Donegan
Organizer
Chantilly, VA

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