Help fight Multiple Sclerosis
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In 2009 Ragen, my older sister was diagnosed with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis at 27 years of age. At the time of her diagnosis, Ragen was working as a Software Engineer at IBM. Ragen is the first to ever graduate from a university in my family. Her illness started with small signs, being weak and tired here and there. Not being able to stand too long or walk too long. Ragen being the stubborn and independent woman that she is, refused to accept this outcome and sunk deep in depression.
Ragen used to go to the gym 5 times a week and this new weakness in her body did not make sense. But sadly, her condition deteriorated so rapidly that she would ask to work more and more often from home. Eventually in 2013 she was laid off and soon her driver’s license was taken away by a neurologist along with it most of her freedoms as well as independence.
With great desperation to get better or cured, in 2011, Ragen travelled to Poland to undergo CCSVI (chronic Cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) treatment, which cost over $10,000 CAD that was borrowed from banks. This treatment for MS has since been declared ineffective-and indeed Ragen’s condition did not improve and only worsened.
Still in hopes of getting a cure or a treatment to get better, in 2015, Ragen traveled to the United States to undergo yet again, another treatment, this time, Stem Cell therapy by StemGenexe. The Stem Cell therapy procedure cost $20,000 USD that Ragen unfortunately took from her pension. Sadly, this procedure was also not effective, and Ragen’s MS did not improve.
Despite the denial and protest Ragen is in a wheelchair now and cannot stand or walk and not herself anymore. She cannot eat on her own due to her shaking hands, her eyes don’t focus, she needs help with almost all daily life functions.
The reason I am sharing Ragen’s story is that she needs consistent care. I am moving her with my 9 year old son and I in order to keep a closer eye on her and try to reverse some of the damage. I work all day and need a caretaker for her during the day. I need help to take care of her. The local CCAC (Community Care Access Center) offers 15 hours of paid PSW workers per week, but that is not enough. I not only cannot leave her by herself at home as she cannot do anything on her own but also want to get Ragen back to functioning state.
With a constant proper nutritious diet and everyday exercise, I believe it is possible to get her to functioning state. But I cannot be there at the same time as pay rent and bills. On average, a PSW here charges min $20/hr, which is about $500/week for 25 hours a week. She is on a fixed disability income ; with no job anymore and her debt I mentioned before there is nothing left to use towards care. I need enough money to pay a care taker who would make sure she is taken care of till I come home from work and take over. I will do my best as a trial basis of 6 months to a year to get Ragen to be able to do light physical everyday functions and that would mean the world!!
Please help me get Ragen back!
Ragen used to go to the gym 5 times a week and this new weakness in her body did not make sense. But sadly, her condition deteriorated so rapidly that she would ask to work more and more often from home. Eventually in 2013 she was laid off and soon her driver’s license was taken away by a neurologist along with it most of her freedoms as well as independence.
With great desperation to get better or cured, in 2011, Ragen travelled to Poland to undergo CCSVI (chronic Cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) treatment, which cost over $10,000 CAD that was borrowed from banks. This treatment for MS has since been declared ineffective-and indeed Ragen’s condition did not improve and only worsened.
Still in hopes of getting a cure or a treatment to get better, in 2015, Ragen traveled to the United States to undergo yet again, another treatment, this time, Stem Cell therapy by StemGenexe. The Stem Cell therapy procedure cost $20,000 USD that Ragen unfortunately took from her pension. Sadly, this procedure was also not effective, and Ragen’s MS did not improve.
Despite the denial and protest Ragen is in a wheelchair now and cannot stand or walk and not herself anymore. She cannot eat on her own due to her shaking hands, her eyes don’t focus, she needs help with almost all daily life functions.
The reason I am sharing Ragen’s story is that she needs consistent care. I am moving her with my 9 year old son and I in order to keep a closer eye on her and try to reverse some of the damage. I work all day and need a caretaker for her during the day. I need help to take care of her. The local CCAC (Community Care Access Center) offers 15 hours of paid PSW workers per week, but that is not enough. I not only cannot leave her by herself at home as she cannot do anything on her own but also want to get Ragen back to functioning state.
With a constant proper nutritious diet and everyday exercise, I believe it is possible to get her to functioning state. But I cannot be there at the same time as pay rent and bills. On average, a PSW here charges min $20/hr, which is about $500/week for 25 hours a week. She is on a fixed disability income ; with no job anymore and her debt I mentioned before there is nothing left to use towards care. I need enough money to pay a care taker who would make sure she is taken care of till I come home from work and take over. I will do my best as a trial basis of 6 months to a year to get Ragen to be able to do light physical everyday functions and that would mean the world!!
Please help me get Ragen back!
Organizer
Renas P
Organizer
Hamilton, ON
