My mother, Andrea Meador, was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1998. I was eight months old at the time. As I’ve grown older, I have watched her health deteriorate. First a mild limp that led to a need for a cane, then a walker, and finally a wheelchair. She has tried several forms of treatment in order to stave off regression, but MS doesn’t have a cure and current treatment can only get us so far.

My father has, for the last couple years, done his best to take care of her by himself now that she has lost ability to use her legs. However, she has recently begun losing all motor function in her hands as well, making it a more daunting task than my father is equipped to handle alone.

After much consideration, we have concluded that the only feasible option at this point is assisted living care or a live-in nurse. Having assistance from trained healthcare professionals would not only be a huge weight off my father’s shoulders, but it would also ensure my mother is getting all of her needs met. Unfortunately, this path forward is a larger expense than we are able to afford on our own.

We need your help! If you have the means, my family would be very grateful for any donations you are able to provide. Thank you in advance for any and all support as we move forward into this new phase of my mother’s MS journey.