When I was 3 years old, my mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. In her case, it gradually took away her ability to walk.
Over the past 20+ years, the disease has progressed significantly. My mom has been in a wheelchair since I was 15. By the time I was 20, her condition had worsened to the point where she became completely bed-bound. She is unable to leave the house except for medical appointments, where she must be transported by stretcher.
Despite everything she has endured, my mom remains the most caring, generous, and thoughtful person I know. Even after becoming bedridden, she continued to show up for people in every way she could. Our living room became a place of warmth and connection where friends and even strangers were always welcome. She hosted Shabbat dinners, opened our home to people who had nowhere to stay, helped friends in difficult moments, made countless introductions and matches, and somehow always remembered everyone’s birthdays.
Her illness never took away her ability to care for others.
As an only child, I live at home to help take care of her. For many years we were told that there were very limited treatment options and that nothing could significantly slow or reverse the progression of the disease. But in the past two decades, there has been meaningful progress in MS research and new treatments have begun to offer hope where there once was none.
Recently, we learned about a specialist who has helped patients with cases as severe as my mom’s, and in some cases has helped people regain mobility and walk again. This treatment offers a possibility we never thought we would have.
Unfortunately, it is not covered by insurance and the cost is $50,000 — a life-changing but overwhelming amount for our family.
I created this GoFundMe in the hope of raising funds to help cover the cost of this treatment and give my mom a chance at a better quality of life.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to that hope. Your support means more than words can express.
More than anything, I pray for the day I might see my mom stand and walk again.
Thank you for being part of this journey.