Help Get Mags to Mexico!

24/08/19 - UPDATE Well it's all go, full steam ahead for Mags - stem cells have been successfully harvested and chemo will start on Monday!! There is a long road ahead but the staff in India are really positive that with intense physiotherapy and lots of hard work from Maggie herself, there is a good chance she'll be able to straighten her legs again. No one can give guarantees and we always knew this treatment wouldn't be a "cure". But if it stops any further deterioration AND gives her even the slightest improvements then it will change her future drastically. I know I keep saying it, but we are all so very very grateful for your kindness, support and generosity. xxxx Hi This photo was taken this morning, 5th March when I went to visit Mags. Since 11th January she has been in Woodend Hospital as her legs have been locked in a twisted position for the last few months, leaving her immobile and in constant pain. Her home is currently getting fitted out with slings to help lift her in and out of bed/ wheelchair and she can't go home to her 3 and 4 year old daughter's and husband until a proper care package is in place. She was advised yesterday this could be at least another 6 weeks. Between this online campaign and some offline fundraising, we've reached just over £11,000 in total but we've still a long way to go. We're so so grateful for everyone's support to date but can I please ask that you continue to share the story and to share any fundraisers you may see for Mags to help us get her the treatment she desperately needs. Thank you xxx *Please read and share our story.   Trying to raise money to get my sister life changing stem cell treatment. Thank you xxx #HSCT #SPMS #MSSUCKS #helpgetmagstomexico Hi,  my name is Gwen and myself and our family are trying to raise money to send our sister, Maggie Conner, to Mexico for life changing stem cell treatment (HSCT) to help stop the rapid progression of her MS. This treatment has been used successfully abroad for 20+ years but is just at trial stage in the UK at present.  Mags doesn't qualify for the UK trials as her MS has progressed too far but she can still qualify for the treatment in Mexico.  Mags / Maggie / Thing!!    She has many names, the last lovingly given to her as the youngest of 5 siblings growing up! She is now 35 and a wife and Mother to two beautiful little girls. She was diagnosed with Relapsing remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) in 2013, while undergoing IVF treatment. Over the last 5 years this has developed into Secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS ). MS is different for everyone but Mags appears to have an aggressive form which is progressing rapidly.  Her physical mobility is greatly reduced now and she needs her wheelchair to even get around the house now, walking from her bedroom to the bathroom is no longer possible.  But its not just about being in a chair - her legs often lock in place and she needs help to move - be that into / out of the chair or even to roll over / sit up.   She is becoming trapped and the future is terrifying.   As well as the physical, her memory and concentration is greatly affected too.  Add to that the extreme fatigue and day to day life is very hard. Not just for Mags but for all her family - her husband Paul who is the only breadwinner, the main child carer, the cook, the cleaner and for her daughters who miss out on a lot because Mummy can't manage and who in time will become carers for Mags too - a fact which she hates and feels so guilty about. Her biggest fear is that she will end up bed ridden and totally reliant on outside help for her every need - a very real fear which appears to be fast approaching reality. The stem cell treatment is not a cure but it is proven to stop the progression of the MS.   It gives her hope!   The treatment itself costs $55,000 We also need to raise money for flights to Mexico for Mags and a companion - she needs someone with her 24/7 while there. The treatment lasts 28 days in Mexico which is covered in the main cost but if she needs to stay on longer - for any infection or adverse reaction - that will need extra funding too. In an ideal world we would like to raise some money to cover lost wages for the person who goes with her too. We also need to cover additional scans which need to be done within a certain time frame of treatment beginning. It is a lot of money but we are hoping that with a little help from lots of people we can get her there! Please can you share this story with your friends and family and ask them to do the same. We hate asking for money but its too much for the family to raise alone.   If we can raise £50,000 by donations and fundraising then the family will get the rest needed. Any donation, no matter how small, will be so very much appreciated. Equally though just sharing this story would mean so much too! Thank you for reading this and please share to help us spread the word.   xxxx