Facebook is not part of my routine and I don’t believe I have posted anything in the last 9 years.  In my professional life, I experience the negative side of social media, however, I do recognize there is a positive power to this platform.  My intent with this post is to acknowledge and assist an incredible person, my sister Sarah.


Twelve years ago my sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.).  At the time this was a blessing.  Soon after having her youngest son, she lost her vision.  An adventure that started with the eye doctor who shared an initial diagnosis of a brain tumor, led to a cat scan that showed nothing, and finally, an MRI that revealed lesions on her brain and concluded with a diagnosis of M.S.  This all happened over the course of a day.  Her vision returned, but numbness in her feet soon emerged as her first constant symptom of this debilitating disease.  Over the course of ten years, the disease has progressed, her mobility is becoming more limited, and her ability to take part in her kids (Brayden and Logan) lives is becoming more restricted.  She has never complained or asked for help but has kept an incredibly positive attitude.  She is awesome!


To date, she has taken 6 different medications with limited to no success in slowing her M.S.  Last fall she was hoping to take part in a clinical trial at The Cleveland Clinic.  This trial is the same procedure that has been utilized in Mexico and Russia to slow/stop the progression of this debilitating disease over the course of the last 20 years.  She was denied.  The feedback she was provided is that the disease was too far progressed and that the outcome of the trial would be better when patients are still “healthy”.  This procedure will eventually be approved here in the United States, but we are unable to wait. Even with the loss of feeling in her legs and feet, tripping and falling, and now losing feeling in her hands, Clinica Ruiz in Puebla Mexico is confident in their chances of being able to assist my sister.    


The medication she is currently taking costs 50% more per year than this procedure, but because this procedure is not yet FDA approved insurance will not cover it.  This procedure costs $54,500 and if I could simply cut her a check I would. My mom will be traveling with and assisting my sister for a month this February in Puebla Mexico, which is the amount of time the procedure takes in total.  Sarah will be away from her husband and boys, but the time away is now her best chance of stopping the progression of her M.S.   


Perhaps you know and love someone who has been overtaken by this disease.  Maybe you know Sarah and would like to lend a helping hand.  Or maybe after a childhood of pestering your younger sibling, you just want to give back and show your love for them because you are so incredibly proud of their attitude and approach to every day!  Sarah has never asked for help, but I would like to ask for her.  If able to assist in supporting an incredible mother/daughter/sister/niece/friend, please click on the link below.  Any assistance is appreciated.