Help me battle my body! (to stop MS and Crohns)
Donation protected
Help me battle my body!!
My name is Ruth Ann Long, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in July of 2006, and Crohn’s Disease in September of 2012. Both diseases have taken a toll on me as many of you know, and I’m ready to fight!
Over the past year, I have been researching HSCT- this is Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation… It was suggested to me first by my neurologist, I dismissed it pretty abruptly saying I couldn’t be sick that long, but after talking to one of his patients who had gone to Mexico to have the procedure done, I began to think about it. About the same time, my husband Brandon expressed interest in having Bariatric Surgery, as he was very overweight. This was almost a year-long process, so we decided he would go first so he could take better care of me when I was able to have my procedure. Fast forward through his journey, and lots of research on my part… oh, and a broken shoulder (me).. Here we are at the new year, 2019. Brandon said to me one day, ok it’s your turn, let’s do this thing. So I began researching heavily and talking to friends and family members- most of whom were apprehensive about me traveling to Mexico for a healthcare procedure- so I tried to go to Chicago to get into a clinical trial at Northwestern University. While it would still be a domestic procedure, I knew it would be very hard on me, emotionally and physically… I still tried. One of my dear friends accompanied me, and they shared with us they would not transplant me and gave me some very good reasons to consider. I knew my next step would be to try to go to Mexico and get the procedure done with Dr. Ruiz (Pictured above with me). I was able to get into a class in Houston, Texas to meet them and learn about the procedure and was accompanied by another friend there. At this meeting, I learned the Mexican method is much different, much easier on the system of the patient, and the most important thing about their program that Is different is that they CARE about me and want me to be COMFORTABLE and focus on my treatment. I feel that this is the place for me to go. The goal of HSCT is to STOP the progression of MS, and hopefully Crohn’s Disease as well. There Is a possibility of recovery of some of the things I have lost, but no promise of that. The cost of the procedure is $56,500.00 plus some additional screening, medications, private caregiver fees, and transportation to and from Puebla, Mexico. Here is the website about the clinic: https://www.hsctmexico.com
Here is a great video describing the procedure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJHpMZ3c1Fc
Here is a more "scientific" video describing the procedure:
https://www.facebook.com/HSCTMexico/videos/560910741101584/
I will be traveling to Puebla on July 21st of this year, and will begin treatments on July 22nd (Daddy’s birthday!). The funds are required to be with them by May 22nd, two months before the procedure.
The funds raised here will go directly to my medical care specifically for this procedure.
Other ways you can help:
-SHARE this page with anyone you think may be interested in my journey and willing to help!
-PRAY- For Brandon as he is “home alone” for a month, for my caregivers and team of over 300 who will be seeing me and taking care of me, for my private nurse who I know will become my friend, for the others who are also being transplanted with me, and for me, that I will respond to the treatment successfully.
-PRIVATE DONATIONS: Message me if you would prefer to send a check or wire money to the bank account I have set up for this fund.
-BEFORE/AFTER CARE: I stop taking medicines on April 21. I may need some general “help” either before or after my procedure, simple tasks but there are alot of unknowns. We’d love to have your help however you are willing/able!
Why NOW? The sooner I am able to get the procedure done, the sooner I am able to stop the disease and hopefully/possibly recover some of the functions I have lost. I’d love to be able to walk a couple of miles again, and not be looking for the closest restroom!!!! It will help me to have a better life, and be able to then do things to help others better in return.
Thank you for your support!
Ruth Ann Taylor Long
My name is Ruth Ann Long, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in July of 2006, and Crohn’s Disease in September of 2012. Both diseases have taken a toll on me as many of you know, and I’m ready to fight!
Over the past year, I have been researching HSCT- this is Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation… It was suggested to me first by my neurologist, I dismissed it pretty abruptly saying I couldn’t be sick that long, but after talking to one of his patients who had gone to Mexico to have the procedure done, I began to think about it. About the same time, my husband Brandon expressed interest in having Bariatric Surgery, as he was very overweight. This was almost a year-long process, so we decided he would go first so he could take better care of me when I was able to have my procedure. Fast forward through his journey, and lots of research on my part… oh, and a broken shoulder (me).. Here we are at the new year, 2019. Brandon said to me one day, ok it’s your turn, let’s do this thing. So I began researching heavily and talking to friends and family members- most of whom were apprehensive about me traveling to Mexico for a healthcare procedure- so I tried to go to Chicago to get into a clinical trial at Northwestern University. While it would still be a domestic procedure, I knew it would be very hard on me, emotionally and physically… I still tried. One of my dear friends accompanied me, and they shared with us they would not transplant me and gave me some very good reasons to consider. I knew my next step would be to try to go to Mexico and get the procedure done with Dr. Ruiz (Pictured above with me). I was able to get into a class in Houston, Texas to meet them and learn about the procedure and was accompanied by another friend there. At this meeting, I learned the Mexican method is much different, much easier on the system of the patient, and the most important thing about their program that Is different is that they CARE about me and want me to be COMFORTABLE and focus on my treatment. I feel that this is the place for me to go. The goal of HSCT is to STOP the progression of MS, and hopefully Crohn’s Disease as well. There Is a possibility of recovery of some of the things I have lost, but no promise of that. The cost of the procedure is $56,500.00 plus some additional screening, medications, private caregiver fees, and transportation to and from Puebla, Mexico. Here is the website about the clinic: https://www.hsctmexico.com
Here is a great video describing the procedure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJHpMZ3c1Fc
Here is a more "scientific" video describing the procedure:
https://www.facebook.com/HSCTMexico/videos/560910741101584/
I will be traveling to Puebla on July 21st of this year, and will begin treatments on July 22nd (Daddy’s birthday!). The funds are required to be with them by May 22nd, two months before the procedure.
The funds raised here will go directly to my medical care specifically for this procedure.
Other ways you can help:
-SHARE this page with anyone you think may be interested in my journey and willing to help!
-PRAY- For Brandon as he is “home alone” for a month, for my caregivers and team of over 300 who will be seeing me and taking care of me, for my private nurse who I know will become my friend, for the others who are also being transplanted with me, and for me, that I will respond to the treatment successfully.
-PRIVATE DONATIONS: Message me if you would prefer to send a check or wire money to the bank account I have set up for this fund.
-BEFORE/AFTER CARE: I stop taking medicines on April 21. I may need some general “help” either before or after my procedure, simple tasks but there are alot of unknowns. We’d love to have your help however you are willing/able!
Why NOW? The sooner I am able to get the procedure done, the sooner I am able to stop the disease and hopefully/possibly recover some of the functions I have lost. I’d love to be able to walk a couple of miles again, and not be looking for the closest restroom!!!! It will help me to have a better life, and be able to then do things to help others better in return.
Thank you for your support!
Ruth Ann Taylor Long
Organizer
Ruth Ann Taylor Long
Organizer
Wake Forest, NC