A friend and coworker of mine, Amanda Rasmussen, has multiple sclerosis and will be receiving a stem cell transplant. It is one of the last resorts for the disease after trying multiple therapies. MS is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). The immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged. Research continues to grow and new therapies have become available to help symptoms, but not cure the disease. Stem cell treatment is generally used when other therapies have failed and the progression of the disease is high. Pre-treatment testing will be performed to assess a candidates current status. Stem cells will then be collected while chemotherapy and a blood cell growth factor are started. Hospitalization will be required for multiple weeks. Stem cells will be frozen and the thawed prior to being infused. They will then grow and start making new cells, while receiving growth factor shots.
Amanda’s insurance is currently not paying for this procedure, which is extremely expensive. It comes with many risks and is a last resort treatment. Any help would be appreciated.