My Nephew Kevin
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My nephew Kevin is a 34 year old young man who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when he was just 22 years old. Kevin has been battling this illness for 12 years, and is now getting progressively worse as months go by. Kevin went from being a very active young man who enjoyed life to the fullest, to needing much assistance with even the "simplest" of tasks. He is no longer able to walk without the aid of his walker.
It all started in 2007 when Kevin started to feel a tingling sensation in his chest and stomach, Kevin said it felt like electrical shocks. His legs felt weak, his body didn't feel right. The next day Kevin and his mom Connie went to their family doctor. Unable to immediately diagnose his symptoms, the doctor promptly sent him to see a neurologist to be evaluated. The very next day Kevin had an MRI, he was already unable to hold anything in his hands. The result of the MRI was devastating, Kevin was told he had MS. His first words to his mom was, "Am I going to die?". He was prescribed AVONEX, medication that is administered by injection to the thigh. A nurse went to his house to teach Kevin how to self administer the weekly injection. Unfortunately, Kevin's motor skills had already started to deteriorate and he was unable to hold the syringe in his hand. Kevin relied on his mom to administer the medication in her sons thigh every week.
For a long time, Kevin wasn't able to hold utensils to feed himself. Kevin needed help bathing and also to use the washroom. On top of all of that, walking was becoming increasingly difficult. After countless visits to the hospital, depression and anxiety subsequently set in and progressed quickly. Kevin was referred to a psychiatrist. Kevin learned that depression is yet another obstacle that many brave fighters of this horrible disease have to contend with. Kevin was prescribed medication for depression and anxiety to help him sleep-medication that he still takes to this day. Of course, like with many medications, side effects are inevitable-Kevin now has bladder issues. Kevin has had to learn to insert a catheter three times a day, every day.
Once a month, Kevin goes to a clinic for TYSABRI infusion treatment that is administered by a healthcare professional. The treatment is for patients with relapsing form of MS...it keeps the white blood cells of the immune system from entering the brain and spinal cord, which doctors think plays an important role in damaging effects of MS. The infusion treatment may be helping by keeping the lesions at bay, but in a relatively short time, Kevin has gone from some times using a cane to help him get around, to being completely unstable and relying on the aid of a walker to move around even at home, his biggest fear is winding up in a wheelchair. In addition to regular doctor visits, seeing specialists, a psychiatrist and monthly infusion treatments, Kevin also sees his neurologist twice a year and has an MRI yearly.
Kevin and his family have been researching HSCT-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Stem cells are cells that have the ability to develop into a variety of different specialist cells within the body.
Stem cell transplants are approved to treat various cancers. Additionally, HSCT is used in many specialist clinics around the world to treat autoimmune diseases. Perhaps the most notable of these is multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately it is still regarded as experimental despite its high success rate.
This is where we need your help. The cost for the medical treatment and lodging for 28 days during this procedure is $54,500.00 US... about $72,350.00 Canadian dollars.
The proven success rate for this treatment is 86%. Kevin's hope is to not have any more anxiety attacks, depression, fatigue, catheters, infusions and most importantly, to be able to walk independently or at least with the use of a cane instead of a walker. My goal is to raise the entire $72,350.00 to help ease the financial and emotional stress the family is going through. Please find it in your heart to give whatever amount you're comfortable giving.
Please help give my nephew Kevin that last ray of hope to living a life that we all wish for all our familes and friends. Your donations and prayers for Kevin are greatly appreciated.
Thank You
It all started in 2007 when Kevin started to feel a tingling sensation in his chest and stomach, Kevin said it felt like electrical shocks. His legs felt weak, his body didn't feel right. The next day Kevin and his mom Connie went to their family doctor. Unable to immediately diagnose his symptoms, the doctor promptly sent him to see a neurologist to be evaluated. The very next day Kevin had an MRI, he was already unable to hold anything in his hands. The result of the MRI was devastating, Kevin was told he had MS. His first words to his mom was, "Am I going to die?". He was prescribed AVONEX, medication that is administered by injection to the thigh. A nurse went to his house to teach Kevin how to self administer the weekly injection. Unfortunately, Kevin's motor skills had already started to deteriorate and he was unable to hold the syringe in his hand. Kevin relied on his mom to administer the medication in her sons thigh every week.
For a long time, Kevin wasn't able to hold utensils to feed himself. Kevin needed help bathing and also to use the washroom. On top of all of that, walking was becoming increasingly difficult. After countless visits to the hospital, depression and anxiety subsequently set in and progressed quickly. Kevin was referred to a psychiatrist. Kevin learned that depression is yet another obstacle that many brave fighters of this horrible disease have to contend with. Kevin was prescribed medication for depression and anxiety to help him sleep-medication that he still takes to this day. Of course, like with many medications, side effects are inevitable-Kevin now has bladder issues. Kevin has had to learn to insert a catheter three times a day, every day.
Once a month, Kevin goes to a clinic for TYSABRI infusion treatment that is administered by a healthcare professional. The treatment is for patients with relapsing form of MS...it keeps the white blood cells of the immune system from entering the brain and spinal cord, which doctors think plays an important role in damaging effects of MS. The infusion treatment may be helping by keeping the lesions at bay, but in a relatively short time, Kevin has gone from some times using a cane to help him get around, to being completely unstable and relying on the aid of a walker to move around even at home, his biggest fear is winding up in a wheelchair. In addition to regular doctor visits, seeing specialists, a psychiatrist and monthly infusion treatments, Kevin also sees his neurologist twice a year and has an MRI yearly.
Kevin and his family have been researching HSCT-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Stem cells are cells that have the ability to develop into a variety of different specialist cells within the body.
Stem cell transplants are approved to treat various cancers. Additionally, HSCT is used in many specialist clinics around the world to treat autoimmune diseases. Perhaps the most notable of these is multiple sclerosis. Unfortunately it is still regarded as experimental despite its high success rate.
This is where we need your help. The cost for the medical treatment and lodging for 28 days during this procedure is $54,500.00 US... about $72,350.00 Canadian dollars.
The proven success rate for this treatment is 86%. Kevin's hope is to not have any more anxiety attacks, depression, fatigue, catheters, infusions and most importantly, to be able to walk independently or at least with the use of a cane instead of a walker. My goal is to raise the entire $72,350.00 to help ease the financial and emotional stress the family is going through. Please find it in your heart to give whatever amount you're comfortable giving.
Please help give my nephew Kevin that last ray of hope to living a life that we all wish for all our familes and friends. Your donations and prayers for Kevin are greatly appreciated.
Thank You
Organizer
Ines Medeiros
Organizer
Brampton, ON
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