George Boujoukos’ Fight Against MS

Dear Friends,
 
Never did I imagine I would be writing to you all about a GoFundMe page for my brother George. Please read his story.
 
Last July, George was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). Unlike more common forms of MS, PPMS continues to progress without remission until you eventually lose the ability to walk.
 
George’s symptoms began slowly, affecting only his right foot, but eventually progressed to include loss of balance, tripping, and muscle weakness on his right side. As time went on symptoms became worse, now involving other areas of his leg, arm and hand, making it very difficult to perform functions that most of us take for granted; brushing your teeth, eating, getting dressed, typing, or simply signing your name.
 
There is no cure or  approved treatments in the United States that stop the disease, and only one approved medication that may slow down (but not stop) progression.
 
After much searching, George learned about a procedure called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which is the only treatment that can potentially stop progression. It is currently being studied in the US, but has been used successfully in other parts of the world. After researching in more detail and speaking to both neurologists and patients, he learned that the Ruiz Clinic in Puebla, Mexico has been performing this procedure for over 25 years with over 1,000 treatments performed. They are also the largest HSCT clinic and have one of the highest success and safety ratings in the world. The founder, Dr. Ruiz-Arguelles, has received recognition as one of the top 50 physicians ever to graduate Mayo Clinic. George was happy to learn his current MGH neurologist has visited the Ruiz Clinic and was thoroughly impressed with both the staff and facility.
 
This procedure requires a 28 day stay at the clinic. The cost of the procedure is around $55,000.00 and because it is out of the US, is not covered by medical insurance. The process of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are not to be taken lightly, but my brother wants a chance to live the rest of his life to the fullest. When talking to me about his decision to undergo HSCT he said, “If I do nothing, I will most likely be confined to a wheelchair in the future, and I’ll always regret not attempting HSCT”.
 
George was very apprehensive about my wanting to start a GoFundMe page, especially during the tough financial challenges many families are now facing due to the pandemic. As much as I love him for not wanting to ask for assistance, I feel it is warranted. His life has already changed so much. The reality is that although the treatment has a 75% success rate, the success rates drops for the Progressive MS that George has.
 
Taking into account the possibility that he could have the treatment and it isn’t successful, I am concerned for his financial future. George is already finding stairs very difficult, and is preparing to sell his home, as he needs a place that can accommodate his current and future physical needs. I’m concerned about the need for a vehicle that will allow him to maintain his ability to get to work, and concerns that if he can’t travel, which he currently does for his job, what those ramifications will be. There is also the devastating reality that as time passes, he will need a wheelchair to be able to move about. The list of changes and expenses will be lifelong and extensive.
 
If the transplant works - and please pray with me, that it does - he will be able to come back to a home with appropriate accommodations, and continue to work, and although there will be many changes and challenges, he will not be in a bad financial situation on top of having to deal with his condition.
 
My feeling is that a GoFundMe will help him get the treatment, and although he will never fully recover from his current physical limitations, he will halt the progression, so that he and his amazing wife and best friend Maura can still live a joyful life.
 
Please help me ease his burden and join me, whether it is with a prayer, a kind word or a donation - and help my brother beat MS.
 
You've got this George!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you and may God bless you all.
Maria Boujoukos

I am asking that you please share this with everyone you know, sometimes it takes a village.  If you prefer to send a check donation instead of using GoFundMe online, please private message or text me for address details @ [phone redacted]. 

Here is the link to donate:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/george-boujoukos-fight-against-ms