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Please help me ease the financial burden on my family so I can receive Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for my Multiple Sclerosis.
I was recently diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in July of this year after experiencing a flare up that made my legs, feet, & hands go numb. During this flare I also experienced extreme fatigue, vertigo, optic neuritis, an MS "hug", & Lhermitte's Sign. Since then those symptoms have mostly subsided except my hands being numb. Previous symptoms from MS before I knew the cause also still remain.
In multiple sclerosis (MS), the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, becomes damaged. MS causes the immune system to attack the myelin, which is the insulation protecting the nerves. The nerves themselves can also be damaged. When myelin or the nerves become damaged, nerves cannot properly pass along their signals.
Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants are only available in the US if you are approved for the trials, which have strict criteria for acceptance including to try & fail other MS drugs.
The MS drugs available to me MAY slow the progression of the disease. This Transplant MAY halt the disease.
There is no "cure" for MS.
The current medication I am on runs risk of developing PML which is a deadly brain virus if I become jcv +. My levels are monitored closely. I have to have this drug infused into my body by IV every 28 days for the rest of my life if I don't fail it & have to switch before then.
If over the remainder of my life I have another flare(s) everytime I run the risk of losing more physical disability that could last a lifetime. Along with cognitive ability decline.
I am & want to continue to be a highly active hiker, gardener, beekeeper, & butterfly raiser. Those that know Me, My Husband, & my family know that we are hard working, loving & caring people. I have to come to a point in my life that I have to ask for help from my friends & family. It is not easy to do but here we are. I have researched this treatment & the facility with a fine tooth comb. I have made my decision to fight my MS & fight for a better quality of Life.
Links below are the treatment details, about the doctor, Dr. Ruiz, & the facility I will be having the procedure.
Everything we don't raise from this fundraiser we will be having to foot the remainder of the funds so please, anything at all that you can spare we will be forever grateful for.
Funds will be used for the treatment ($54,500)
Travel expenses for myself & my required caregiver (my mom),
Discharge meds/ aftercare
PO box to be posted tomorrow for those that do not want to donate via the interwebs.
A million thank yous will never be enough to express our gratitude ♡