FROM HER TEAM

She’s been in Durango, Colorado now for more than 30 years. Over these past three decades, She’s given endless amounts time, energy, and love to countless community members, businesses, organizations, the City of Durango, surrounding towns, and more in Southwest Colorado. And NOW, this highly respected mom, friend, business woman, owner of The Union, creator of the original Durango Farmer’s Market, Oktoberfest Evenings On 8th and more, and simply incredible exceptional loving human, Carol Clark, with a contagious laugh NEEDS our love, help, and support.

It is our sincere hope, you will each take a few minutes to read her story below – thru her own words, and help she and our team raise the resources needed in order for her to get the health care (at an exceptional private medical facility) she so desperately needs for a relentless disease she’s battled and kept private for many years – Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Please, let’s get Carol healthy, home, and back standing strong on her own two feet. Let’s give back to Carol what she’s given to so many. We will be forever grateful.

BY CAROL CLARK

Over 21 years ago, I was headed to my girlfriends 30th surprise birthday party, and I remember feeling physically off and that my feet were numb as I slipped on party heels. The months prior, I had met with several doctors and they could not determine what was wrong with me. I thought I had simply slipped and fell on Halloween because I was wearing roller skates for my costume, but unfortunately something much greater and worse was developing.

Several days later I could not feel my right hand. With urgency, the doctors said I needed an MRI. I was so young and oblivious as to why this would be needed. But then the results came, and confirmed their concerns: I had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I had no idea what it is nor how I would have gotten it. They sent me to a health counselor who told me I would have to change my lifestyle, though I did not understand why. After all I have MS, MS does NOT have me.

I started taking a drug called Copaxone by giving myself daily injections (shot). Over time, it started to sink in like a dark light that I would have to manage this for the rest of my life.  Still determined to stay ahead of it and live life normally, I decided to stop taking the drug so I could get pregnant and start a family. I was gifted with a beautiful son (Armand) who is my light and soul, and never once had any regret bringing into this world. However, I also found out that childbirth is extremely hard on women with MS.

After my son was born, I had an enormous MS relapse. I was unable to walk or lift my head for a month and half, hence I was horizontal in bed. It was one of the most brutal experiences I’ve ever had. As a young and new mom all I wanted was to hold my son, but instead he was whisked away every single day to a sitter while I laid in bed trying to recover. This was the first of many massive debilitating episodes (MS attacks) that I continue to experience to this day. They come on unexpectedly and with varying force. I never know what I'll be getting, but I promise you, they are all horrible, mentally and physically. I wish this on no one, ever.

My latest relapses took place in March and November 2020 (what an insane year for all of us).  When they happened I was not able to walk, and at times needed a lot of help including to eat because I could not lift my head on my own. I am grateful I have incredible friends who helped me bathe, grocery shopping, help with Armand, run my business (The Union), basically everything because I was not able to do any of it alone. 

After 21 grueling years since my original diagnosis, I'm grateful I've been able to maintain, albeit with some challenges, my lifestyle and missions. However, since my lasts MRIs, the MS is showing to be progressing faster. I have been going to the hospital to get an infusion of a new drug called Tysabri for five years now, but it's no longer working. So now I need a new medical option – to receive a stem cell transplant. The transplant could help repair any damage that has occurred, and more importantly, save my life.

I have found a resource outside Mexico City, Mexico that specializes in this very particular medical treatment, and has helped many MS patients heal and live thriving lives - Clinica Ruiz . It requires me to stay with them for one month. I will be receiving intense chemo therapy as they collect my stem cells. They will put those stem cells back into my body, rebuilding my immune system into a healthy system, MS free.

Unfortunately, we do not have any places in The States with this level of treatment for MS that I trust. Therefore, I am choosing with confidence to go to this highly recommended hospital. The treatment with travel costs are roughly $70,000, and my insurance does not cover this option. This is a lot of money in my world, as it would be for many, so my team and I are humbly asking for financial help and support.

I wish it did not have to be this way, and this is so hard to ask for this help, but I have been encouraged to by close friends. So here I am, hoping we can do this together; raise the dollars needed so I can get this treatment in April, 2021, then come home to my world and people I love so very much. Thank you for taking the time to read my story – I am forever grateful for any amount of money we can raise. Much love to each of you.