Sean’s Transplant Journey

Sean Seaward, father and husband, has been battling two (2) life-altering diseases and is about to undergo a significant Stem Cell Transplant in the hopes of eliminating any new activity from his Multiple Sclerosis and stabilize this disease.

Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, both Sean and his wife, Carla, moved to Ontario to start a new life. In 2013, having been in Ontario for only three (3) years, Sean received a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis, which is characterized by one’s own immune system attacking one’s spine and fusing it into a solid piece. At the time, Sean was rendered immobile and left in chronic pain and fatigue—sometimes unable to walk. He received initial biologic treatment that significantly improved his health outcomes, increasing his mobility but did leave him immunocompromised.

In 2015, Sean and Carla welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Avery, who is the light of Sean’s life. Ever since she was little, they have had this incredibly special bond—they love playing anything together from hours of Lego to card games and make-believe. Sean would do absolutely anything for her, which includes delaying his transplant until she was done with her dance season so he could watch her do what she loves. He never wanted his medical concerns to spillover and affect her ability to be fully present and engaged in school, with friends, or her passion—competitive dance.

Sean works in the automotive manufacturing industry, and in 2019 he experienced his first seizure when driving home from work. He knew something was wrong when he experienced a tingling in his leg. He pulled over, called Carla, and was explaining how his hand was curling, face was contorted, and felt like he was having a serious medical emergency. Hospital tests confirmed that Sean had lesions on his brain and spinal cord from demyelination. They were also advised that the treatment for his first diagnosis was known for causing demyelination in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). A subsequent referral to a neurologist resulted in a switch in medication for the Ankylosing Spondylitis, but it was not keeping the symptoms under control as well as the former medication, but it was necessary to curb further demyelination.

In December 2020, Sean experienced his first relapse where he was unable to see out of his right eye. Tests confirmed that he had new lesions in the brain and spinal cord and was prescribed steroid treatment to bring down the inflammation of those lesions and his vision was restored. The next month, January 2021, Sean was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (relapsing-remitting, RRMS) and began treatment for this new disease. MS is a condition that occurs when the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, mistakenly targeting the protective coating around the nerves, which is called myelin, causing nerve damage.

Only a few months later at Easter, Sean had another relapse that presented like Vertigo (unable to eat or stand up, dizzy all the time, vomiting constantly). He again received a steroid treatment to bring down the inflammation, but this was a temporary solution to an aggressive medical problem.

Sean has worked throughout this time but was forced to reduce hours and seek mobility accommodations, such as using a cane. Carla has been the primary caregiver throughout these relapses, as Sean was unable to drive or even walk at times. Due to an additional five (5) lesions found on the brain, his medical team decided to pursue Stem Cell Transplantation. In September 2023, Sean received a referral to the Oncology Center at the Ottawa General Hospital for consultation for a Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) to stop this advanced progression of his MS. Researchers and surgeons at this Oncology Center have been hailed for this innovative transplant study and one such success story is found here .

After ten (10) years of unknowns, specialists and hospital visits, appointments, and two life-changing diagnoses that require very different treatments, the progression of Sean’s MS lesions are having a tremendous impact on his quality of life. If left untreated, his prognosis is unknown. While there is no cure for MS, Sean is a fighter and wants to live to the absolute fullest and be there for his family, so he is undergoing a transplant in hopes of reducing further damage and mitigating symptoms.

This incredibly tight-knit and courageous family is now facing an uphill battle with no guaranteed outcome over the coming months. Sean will need to live in Ottawa for the duration of the procedure (minimum 4 months). Carla and Avery will be by Sean’s side while undergoing intense chemotherapy to bring his immune system down to a base zero, and then provided additional treatment to slowly increase the cell count. These stem cells are then harvested (completely removed) and treated (cleaned), then transplanted back in so Sean might build a new immune system. Although an oversimplification on the process, this will be physically and mentally demanding for all members of the Seaward family. The hope is that Sean will be at a place where he only has to live (and thrive) with one disease where doctors know how it progresses, allowing him greater stability and the possibility of returning to normal life.

Given the parameters and protocols for visitors to the hospital during this transplant, Carla and Avery are unable to bring their dog, Akina, with them. They will be paying for housing for a minimum of four (4) months (depending on the treatment timeline), as well as continuing to pay their own mortgage and expenses at home and for someone to care for Akina while they’re away. They are unable to sublet their home during this time, as when Sean returns in the fall, he is still vulnerable. Carla is now off work temporarily to be able to care for Avery and make all final plans for this upcoming chapter in their lives. Avery also knows that she will be celebrating her 9th birthday in the hospital with her mom and dad, and her friends and extended family look forward to celebrating with her once they return in the fall.

On behalf of everyone who love and adore the Seawards, we thank you from all of our hearts for sharing this link with your friends and family to perhaps consider giving to this cause. This will allow Carla and Avery to be fully present and concentrate on Sean’s transplant and recovery.

Sincere and humble thanks for your consideration.

Love,

The Flemings

(Carla's Parents)