Hi! If you don't know me, my name is Cassidy Cielocha (cha-LA-ha) and I'm currently studying to get my PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology. My passion for science has developed alongside the progression of my mom's unknown autoimmune condition. One day, I will figure out what is happening in her body, but for now, I would just like to alleviate some of her pain. To support my Mom's Journey with Stem Cell Therapy, please read:

Hello! My name is Sheila (Brezenski) Cielocha, and as some of you may know, for about 20 years, I’ve been battling an unknown autoimmune disease that has taken my vision. It took years for various doctors at multiple medical centers to determine what was happening that was causing me to lose my vision. Through this process of discovery, the doctors realized I have common variable immune deficiency (CVID) and started me on IVIG infusion therapy to assist my weakened immune system. For over 10 years, I’ve had an IVIG treatment every 3 weeks, in addition to taking numerous immunosuppressive drugs, using multiple eye drops, and antiviral medications in case I became sick. ‘A nuclear warfare amount of medications’ is how my eye doctor explains this treatment regimen I am accustomed to.

Despite my dedication to swallowing all these pills and receiving my IV treatments, I was informed in July 2023 that due to my visual acuity, I was legally blind.

This June, I went to my recurring appointment in Iowa City, and all the tests they routinely perform verified what I already knew: there is still continual vision loss. My doctors want to add another drug to my IV treatments, which also means taking more pills to combat the side effects of this ‘helpful’ drug. Instead of putting myself through the awful side effects of this drug my doctors want to add, I have decided to receive stem cell therapy.

Many of you might be familiar with the recent success stem cell therapy has had in alleviating a variety of ailments, including cancers and autoimmune disorders. Regardless of the evidence that stem cell therapy can help heal and regenerate tissues within the body, it’s not FDA-approved and, therefore, not covered by insurance.

Currently, I am collaborating with the world-renowned Stem Cell Institute in the hope that their treatment can slow the progression of this unknown autoimmune disease and salvage what little eyesight I have left.

Unfortunately, this is a very expensive treatment that is not covered by insurance, so my family and I are asking for your help. Please consider contributing so that I can receive this treatment. Additionally, I ask for prayers on behalf of myself and my family as we continue to navigate our new normal of living with my blindness and that the stem cell therapy will stop the progression of this disease and heal my body. Above all else, I pray for healing – for nothing is impossible with God.

Thank you so much for your prayers and donations! Please consider sharing this page to get the word out. It is appreciated more than words can express!