MMA Mama Fights Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
Donation protected
Vanessa's Story:
• I’ve had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 16. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition, which means it’s for life.
• RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints.
• RA symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of physical function in areas, such as your hands, wrists, shoulders, knees, hips and feet. Over time, these symptoms can lead to irreversible joint damage.
I was in in different hospitals on and off for a year while they tried to figure out what was wrong. I ended up in a wheelchair that I was never supposed to get out of. By the grace of God, I got out of the wheelchair. I trained in martial arts and became a boxer and MMA fighter. I met my amazing husband through the Modern Army Combatives Program while he served in the US Army. I managed to live with the pain and do amazing things with my life. The last 10 years, this pain and on-going damage from this disease has forced me to give up that life I loved. But I have two amazing kids that keep me busy. Over the years (18) we’ve tried every medication there is to try to beat back this disease. I’ve had 3 surgeries (with more in the future) and I will eventually have joint replacements on a lot of my joints. We’ve now hit the wall with what treatment there is available for me. At this time, there’s nothing left for the doctor to do that will help. However, there is a new drug on the market that’s not covered by insurance. Surforce is a biological injection that goes straight into the joint and provides a protective cushion that both supports damaged joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It’s $2,500 per injection (8 shots total) and insurance unfortunately doesn’t cover any of it. I will have to travel out of state and be in a wheelchair for a few weeks after each injection. I’m almost 35 years old with a lot of life left ahead of me (God willing) and I don’t want my kids to only remember how much pain mom was in and how she couldn’t always do the things she wanted to do with them.
A Word From Meagan:
If you are reading this, it means you have already invested your time into reading Vanessa's Story. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to do so. Anyone who knows Vanessa will testify to her having a Servant's Heart. She is in constant pain from her RA, yet she is constantly observing people and looking for any way she can be a blessing to someone. On days when she is bedridden, she is crocheting for people in need. She has crocheted for Hats For The Homeless, Warm Up America, Valley Rescue Mission, & Angel Babies. As she crochets, she is praying over the items to bless the people who will receive them. Another example of her beautiful heart is this year for picture day at school. She helped out and took the extra step to clean each child's face, comb their hair, and engage them in conversation so they felt extra confident and smiled big for their picture. I could go on and on about her spirit and compassion. If you know her, you know she is a blessing. Now, I know now not everyone is financially able to give. If that is the case, please do me a favor and share this out and pray. Prayer is a very powerful tool. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for helping my sweet friend improve her quality of life and reduce her amount of daily pain.
6/24/2019 Update: Thank you so much everyone who’s Donated, like and shared and sent your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate it so so much. As of now if we are able to raise the money the first procedure will be in October!! So please continue to keep me in your prayers and help get my story out there. Thank you all. God bless you. ❤️❤️ Vanessa
#MMAMamaFightsAgainstRA
• I’ve had Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 16. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition, which means it’s for life.
• RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints.
• RA symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of physical function in areas, such as your hands, wrists, shoulders, knees, hips and feet. Over time, these symptoms can lead to irreversible joint damage.
I was in in different hospitals on and off for a year while they tried to figure out what was wrong. I ended up in a wheelchair that I was never supposed to get out of. By the grace of God, I got out of the wheelchair. I trained in martial arts and became a boxer and MMA fighter. I met my amazing husband through the Modern Army Combatives Program while he served in the US Army. I managed to live with the pain and do amazing things with my life. The last 10 years, this pain and on-going damage from this disease has forced me to give up that life I loved. But I have two amazing kids that keep me busy. Over the years (18) we’ve tried every medication there is to try to beat back this disease. I’ve had 3 surgeries (with more in the future) and I will eventually have joint replacements on a lot of my joints. We’ve now hit the wall with what treatment there is available for me. At this time, there’s nothing left for the doctor to do that will help. However, there is a new drug on the market that’s not covered by insurance. Surforce is a biological injection that goes straight into the joint and provides a protective cushion that both supports damaged joints, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. It’s $2,500 per injection (8 shots total) and insurance unfortunately doesn’t cover any of it. I will have to travel out of state and be in a wheelchair for a few weeks after each injection. I’m almost 35 years old with a lot of life left ahead of me (God willing) and I don’t want my kids to only remember how much pain mom was in and how she couldn’t always do the things she wanted to do with them.
A Word From Meagan:
If you are reading this, it means you have already invested your time into reading Vanessa's Story. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to do so. Anyone who knows Vanessa will testify to her having a Servant's Heart. She is in constant pain from her RA, yet she is constantly observing people and looking for any way she can be a blessing to someone. On days when she is bedridden, she is crocheting for people in need. She has crocheted for Hats For The Homeless, Warm Up America, Valley Rescue Mission, & Angel Babies. As she crochets, she is praying over the items to bless the people who will receive them. Another example of her beautiful heart is this year for picture day at school. She helped out and took the extra step to clean each child's face, comb their hair, and engage them in conversation so they felt extra confident and smiled big for their picture. I could go on and on about her spirit and compassion. If you know her, you know she is a blessing. Now, I know now not everyone is financially able to give. If that is the case, please do me a favor and share this out and pray. Prayer is a very powerful tool. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for helping my sweet friend improve her quality of life and reduce her amount of daily pain.
6/24/2019 Update: Thank you so much everyone who’s Donated, like and shared and sent your thoughts and prayers. I appreciate it so so much. As of now if we are able to raise the money the first procedure will be in October!! So please continue to keep me in your prayers and help get my story out there. Thank you all. God bless you. ❤️❤️ Vanessa
#MMAMamaFightsAgainstRA
Organizer
Meagan Schutte
Organizer
Lexington, SC
