Pam's Second Chance at Life

Friends, 

My name is Melody Jankowski, and I am raising funds on behalf of my beautiful best-friend Pam who is battling and hoping to overcome Multiple Sclerosis. We need your help ensuring she gets the treatment she so desperately needs! Below is a letter from Pam explaining why HSCT treatment is so important to her.

"My dearest supporters: 

My name is Parmjit, adoringly called Pam by friends and family. 

In 2004 I began suffering from a host of ailments such as Shingles which is a viral infection that typically affects people 50 years and older (I was only 21 when I got it) and Bell's Palsy which is a temporary form of facial paralysis. When I started getting sick yet again in 2007 (this time it was weakness in my right leg, double vision in my right eye, and numbness in my right arm) I went to see my Primary Care Physician who ordered a CT Scan. After a myriad of tests and hospital visits, I was given one misdiagnosis after another.  Doctors told me I had a brain tumor and when that proved to be false they were sure I'd had two silent strokes. Wrong again. In 2008 at the young age of 24 I was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

My whole world came crashing down when I heard the words Multiple Sclerosis leave my neurologist's lips. My best friend and I couldn't stop crying as we heard the diagnosis and realized what it meant for me. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions as I tried to wrap my head around my new reality - from denial to anger to self-loathing and finally, acceptance.

As the years have passed, I've kept quiet about many of my symptoms. I haven't told many people that when I fell & broke my ankle at my 10 year High School Reunion in 2012 it was because I'd lost my balance, which has been affected severely by MS or that my knees are scarred from the many times I've fallen.

I haven't mentioned that some days I get painful muscle spasms in my back or that high weather temperatures are debilitating and cause my symptoms to flare up. I haven't mentioned that walking more than a couple blocks causes me to limp before my leg finally gives out. I haven't mentioned that due to "drop foot", I sometimes lose the ability to properly lift my foot, dragging it across concrete at times.

I haven't mentioned that my vision in one eye has become blurry or that I dread going outdoors because I can no longer participate in certain activities or keep up. And I haven't mentioned that simple tasks such as typing or writing have become difficult. Even as I sit here writing this my right hand isn't cooperating, and it pains me to admit that I'm getting worse. 

I haven't mentioned any of this because I've always felt that I have no right to complain, especially since there are people much worse off than me. I haven't mentioned any of this because many people view me as a strong woman, and I've never wanted to be perceived as weak.

But now I share my reality with you in hopes that you understand why getting HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT (HSCT) is so important to me.  HSCT can stop MS in its tracks, eliminating disease progression completely. It's a saving grace! 

I can't live with the uncertainty that MS brings. I want to one day get married and have children & be strong enough to run around with them, to care for them. I want to be able to enjoy Summer again, to look forward to a bright future...one that doesn't include MS. And most importantly, I want my independence back. I know there is nothing wrong with asking for help, but I don't want to ever be seen as a burden. 

It has always been EXTREMELY difficult for me to ask for help, even when I desperately need it. I'm used to being the "helper", the "go-to" gal. And so, this part is very hard for me. It's hard for me to put out my hands and ask for donations. But it's time I put aside my pride and asked for help because I honestly can't do this alone. So, please, if you can find it in your heart to make a contribution - no matter how big or small - I will be eternally grateful! THANK YOU!! "

Because Pam has been approved for this treatment out of the country, insurance unfortunately won't cover the cost. We need to raise $75,000 which will cover the cost of the HSCT treatment, the cost of freezing/preserving her eggs as she will have to undergo chemotherapy which will more than likely make her infertile, the cost of Rituximab treatments after HSCT, flights for Pam & one caregiver (required) to and from the treatment facility, a couple of wigs as Pam will need to shave her head prior to the chemotherapy, and any other medical necessities.  

Pam is scheduled to have the treatment on November 7th, 2016 and will need to provide the treatment facility with the funds 3 months in advance. 

Thank you for your generosity and for helping give my best-friend a second chance at life. 

Gratefully yours, 

Melody & Pam