I will travel to the Cayman Islands for my 2nd stem cell treatment this summer.

I was in Colombia receiving my 1st treatment last May. I hope to see more results as this treatment builds on the last. Below is the story of me and my journey with MS which I wrote prior to my first treatment.

I will continue to use this gofundme page to post updates as I prepare and go to the Cayman Islands. Thank you for your love and support, both financially and prayerfully I am forever grateful.

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At the age of 20, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I am 40 now. It hasn’t been an easy road. It took 9 months for doctors to pinpoint the reason for my symptoms. In December 2001, a doctor ordered an MRI after suspecting MS. The MRI confirmed it. MS is an auto-immune disease which there is no cure. Disabilities usually increase over time. Medications are available to slow down its progression but not to reverse the damage already done.

Since my diagnosis in 2001 I have gone from running, to using a walker. My eyes have a constant tremor and it is hard to grip things with my right hand. Writing a check, using a knife or cooking dinner are difficult tasks. I sit at the window watching my kids (8, 10, 12) play outside, wishing I could join in. My legs won’t allow. I wonder what it would be like to be “normal” again, not having to worry that I might fall or for walking to be easy again. Is there any chance I could run again? I can only dream.

 

Despite the challenges I face every day, I am truly blessed. Friends and family fill my life. My husband is my backbone. My kids challenge and love me despite my limitations. I am not a victim. MS does not define me. MS has taught me to value my abilities more, to cherish life every day, and find joy through it all. God strengthens me each and every day. I know He has a plan.

 

In my 20 year journey with MS I have gone from one disease-modifying drug to another. When new lesions develop on my brain, my doctor suggests a new medication. I wonder if this has to happen the rest of my life? It feels like an endless cycle. It’s always a matter of time until new lesions and disabilities appear and a new medication is prescribed. I had come to accept this as my reality and only route until I began reading about stem cell therapy.

 

Stem cell therapy research continues to advance and offers hope in decreasing inflammation caused by MS. As inflammation decreases, it opens up the possibility of symptoms to subside. The use of stem cells as a treatment for MS is not FDA approved in the US at this time. One day, I pray it will. It is the future. I have spoken with others who received treatment and am impressed with the results. One man I spoke with said “it gave me my life back.” He has not been on MS medications since 2007 and is free from symptoms. Another gentleman said he has been back several times, getting benefits each time. He now only has a little spasticity.

 

I am planning on traveling to Colombia in March with Diana (my sister) to receive treatment at Bioxcellerator. Insurance does not cover the expenses. It is a risk (an expensive one) but it’s a risk worth taking. I want to play ball with the kids, go for hikes, ride bikes and travel freely. I am asking for both financial gifts and prayer. If I receive any benefit from this treatment, it is a win. This is a chance to get MY life back.

 

All of your support over the years and in the future is what keeps me pressing on. Thank you for your support, both financially and prayerfully.

Love, Denise