Christopher’s MS Journey
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Christopher McGonnell, I am a 24 year old from Monaghan In Ireland, and have been diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an aggressive autoimmune disease that slowly destroys the brain and spinal cord, disabling the whole body and all functions until it may lead to full disability. It is an unpredictable disease and no one can exactly say what is going to happen next. My quality of life has majorly decreased since I have been diagnosed with this debilitating disease.
I am asking for your support to raise 50,000 so that I can undergo stem cell treatment known as Hematopoietuc Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT).
Rather than just getting up and going to work like any regular 24 year old, my days now involve attending weekly oxygen chamber sessions, physiotherapy, acupuncture, gym and pool to try and maintain the bodily functions that I have. However, I have tried every kind of treatment there is available to me in Ireland and still the disease is progressing. Normal activities of everyday living have become a major chore. I no longer can take things for granted, such as getting out of bed, walking without falling, using the bathroom, clear speech, standing and having balance, clear thinking, clear vision and climbing the stairs which I can’t do without a railing. I’ve researched everything to do with this disease and treatment, I’ve talked to others who have had this treatment and have made the decision to go for it despite the risks, as my day is filled with the fear of the unknown and I dread to continue living the way I am as I can clearly see the disease progress.
This treatment will require me being in Russia for 32 days. We will be travelling to Russia on the 10th of May and treatment will commence on the 12th. HSCT is a complex procedure that requires a bone marrow transplant similar to that used by oncologists for certain blood cancers. My hope is that this stem cell treatment will give me my only chance at having some kind of quality of life and a future.
I am asking for your support to raise 50,000 so that I can undergo stem cell treatment known as Hematopoietuc Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT).
Rather than just getting up and going to work like any regular 24 year old, my days now involve attending weekly oxygen chamber sessions, physiotherapy, acupuncture, gym and pool to try and maintain the bodily functions that I have. However, I have tried every kind of treatment there is available to me in Ireland and still the disease is progressing. Normal activities of everyday living have become a major chore. I no longer can take things for granted, such as getting out of bed, walking without falling, using the bathroom, clear speech, standing and having balance, clear thinking, clear vision and climbing the stairs which I can’t do without a railing. I’ve researched everything to do with this disease and treatment, I’ve talked to others who have had this treatment and have made the decision to go for it despite the risks, as my day is filled with the fear of the unknown and I dread to continue living the way I am as I can clearly see the disease progress.
This treatment will require me being in Russia for 32 days. We will be travelling to Russia on the 10th of May and treatment will commence on the 12th. HSCT is a complex procedure that requires a bone marrow transplant similar to that used by oncologists for certain blood cancers. My hope is that this stem cell treatment will give me my only chance at having some kind of quality of life and a future.
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy McGonnell
Organizer
Olive Mcgonnell
Beneficiary
