In February 2013, about half a year after we got married, my wife Lexi was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). She got on a medication and has been on a regular treatment regimen, which has been helpful in preventing any relapses of the disease. However, over time she developed foot drop in both legs, making walking more difficult, with more risk of trips and falls. It got to a point where she would have a accident/trip/fall a couple times a month, if not more.

A couple years ago we discovered a device called a FES (functional electrical stimulation) device, used to help stimulate the leg muscles and assist in walking. You can see the device on her leg in the cover photo.

We were excited to try this device, but the cost was extremely prohibitive. The device at normal price is $6,000, and our insurance refused to cover it, even after an appeal. We had to apply for financial hardship through the company who makes the device (Bioness), then use some of our savings and reach out to friends, family, and different MS organizations to cover the reduced cost (the financial hardship application brought it down to $3,500). With some luck, we got the funds together, and we got the device.

The device has been a godsend, in that it made it so much easier for Lexi to walk and get around without as much fear of tripping and falling. Now, after about a year and a half, her condition is at the point where we need a second device.

We went through the financial hardship application again, but now the reduced cost is $4,500. On top of that, the amount of help we can get has changed from some of the organizations who helped before, and our insurance still will not cover the cost for the device, so we are looking at a harder mountain to climb to cover the cost. That's why we're reaching out here for help.

Please consider giving to help us cover the cost of this device. All funds received will go directly to the cost of purchasing this. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

For reference, the full name of the device is the Bioness L300 Go FES device.