- P
Hi everyone,
My name is Tilly Hart (that’s me on the left) and I'm trying to raise money for stem cell treatment for my MS. Approximately 16 years ago I was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. MS affects approximately 130,000 people in the UK with only about 15% of those suffering from the Primary Progressive form which is one of the most serious.
At the time of diagnosis I was enjoying life and my job as a teacher and loving my art work. Painting is still a hobby I try to enjoy but have had to adapt due to issues with my movement and dexterity. As the name Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis suggests, this is a progressive condition meaning that over time it has the potential to leave me unable to walk and in need of a wheelchair and at its worst can cause paralysis, vision and hearing impairment and affect the ability to speak. I have seen this first hand with a close friend with the same condition who is now bedridden in a care home and unable to communicate. His MS now resembles something like locked in syndrome. As it stands at the moment, I'm only able to walk short distances with a rollator, or use a wheelchair or mobility scooter for longer distances and I’m reliant on the assistance of friends and carers for help with normal day to day activities. I also suffer from nystagmus which gives me permanently shaky vision. My church family has been an amazing help and I cannot thank them enough.
Unfortunately though, I have not been offered any treatment on the NHS and have been told that all they can do now is watch and wait, and I can wait no more. Time is of the essence with stem cell treatment as it can halt the progress of the disease, so I have to act fast and have nothing to lose. I have tried everything possible with the NHS and am aware of existing drugs which can successfully treat Multiple Sclerosis or at least slow the progress but as is often the case with these things, I have been refused due to the cost, or I do not meet certain criteria. I have tried volunteering for drug trials but so far have also been refused these. The only other option I can find in the UK is private stem cell treatment but this can cost in the region of £100,000 and also involves chemotherapy, which I am reluctant to have.
The only option for me now is to venture further afield. I have researched this in depth and it appears that the best option is with a hospital in Serbia who come highly recommended. There are many people that have been successfully treated there and had their symptoms halted or even reversed. All the funds will go towards my stem cell treatment with Swiss Medica in Serbia. Lengthy medical assessments have been completed and as soon as funds are raised I can begin my treatment! The treatment is non-invasive, mainly consists of stem cell injections and different therapies and doesn't involve chemotherapy which is a big plus. If you have specific questions about the treatment plan please contact us.
Thank you for reading and any help will be greatly appreciated!
If you have any questions or are in a similar situation I will be more than happy to hear from you.
Tilly Hart
Here is a short YouTube video explaining what stem cells are -
Here are some testimonials on YouTube from happy patients of Swiss Medica in Serbia....
Please be aware that some of the videos that discuss cost of treatment may be several years old and also that the treatment plans are personalised.