Joshua’s MS journey continues

Hi my name is Bridget Zuri and I’d like to introduce you to my son Joshua. What I’m about to share with you does not define Joshua, he is a young man, husband, son and brother who loves his family and friends fiercely.

Josh is 36 years old and was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis a little over 7 years ago. Over the last 7 years he has undergone many different types of treatments. Rebif injections, AMPYRA (otherwise known as the walking pill), two infusions of Lemtrada, a pump that injects medication directly into his spine to help slow spasms, along with other medications to help control neuropathy pain. He is currently getting monthly infusions of Tysabri to help slow the progression of the disease.

PPMS affects about 10% of those that get MS and it is very rare for a male under the age of 30 to be diagnosed with it. Joshua has fought very hard over the years to stay strong both physically and mentally. When he was able he participated in horseback riding therapy and he now goes to the pool every day to swim (thank God he lives in Florida!).

We recently had an appointment in St. Petersburg that does stem cell therapy. Joshua and his wife Charlene met a women at the MS Center of SW Florida who had gone there and had good results. This particular office treats many patients with MS and other neurological disorders. We are aware that we are not going to get a cure here, the goal is for Joshua to have a better quality of life and some relief and God willing, maybe some improvement of his symptoms. A person diagnosed with PPMS typically will wind up in a wheelchair about 12 years after diagnosis. Josh has been in a chair for over 4 years now and desperately wants to be able to stand again. Even if that doesn’t happen any improvement would be amazing.