After two terrible oral surgeries with complications, my wife, Steph, was out of work for a month. Steph works for an Optometrist practice with aspirations to continue growing in the field. Through all her pain and suffering, she was always smiling and got back to work as soon as she could.  On September 19th, she had a migraine at work. It didn't seem right.  The pain shot down her legs and entire back. She went to the doctor who immediately said she needed to go to the emergency room. Upon her arrival, her entire left leg was paralyzed as she screamed and cried in pain.  Concerned, the doctors ordered two CAT scans, three MRIs, one spinal tap, an EKG and blood work.  She was told she needed to be hospitalized immediately. Two days later, doctors reviewed all of her tests and legions were found in her spinal cord on one of the MRIs. Three days of IV steroid treatment later, she was allowed to leave knowing they had sent out blood work believing she had MS.
LONG STORY SHORT.. Stephanie has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since the pain started, she has not been able to work. At only twenty nine, with her thirtieth birthday coming up on November 9th, she has spent her life as an outgoing person and enjoying every moment that life has to offer. She is happy go-lucky and very kind to everyone she comes into contact with. She loves bowling, pool league, comic book superheroes, and adventuring to only name a few. These are all things she is scared she can never do again since being diagnosed. She's a goofy and loving, friend, sister, daughter, and wife who loves making anyone smile when they need it, never worrying about herself. Walking with only a cane or assistance, she now is in agony every day waiting to start her treatment plan.  I am working seven days a week trying to make ends meet, but with her unable to work with the pain, I am asking for help. Hospital and doctor bills are already piling up  into the thousands and it is only the beginning. She will be spending a lot time with different doctors, MS specialists and physical therapists. We are still trying to pay for our apartment, car, and our every day-to-day bills. Any dollar helps and is much appreciated. Let's make Steph know her smile counts and that she has touched those around her.  For someone who has received news such as this, she continues to wake up daily much braver and stronger than anyone I know. I want her to fight this without stressing on how she will pay for her treatment and her home. Let's pull together and show her she is loved.  Thank you so very much.