<div><strong># Help Me Get Home and Start My Next Chapter With MS</strong>
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<div>Hi everyone, it’s Marcé.
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<div>After several months of doctor visits, testing, and trying to understand some major changes in my health, I finally have an answer: I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
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<div>Getting a diagnosis like this is a lot to process, but having an answer also means I can finally move forward with the right care.
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<div>Over the past several months, MS has affected my balance and mobility and has temporarily taken away my ability to drive. There have been periods when walking normally has been difficult, and everyday things I never thought twice about suddenly required much more planning and assistance.
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<div>After a long diagnostic process, I have now started treatment and am working with my medical team to determine what my long-term MS treatment and recovery will look like.
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<div>Thankfully, MS treatment has come a long way, and I am hopeful about what comes next. My focus now is finding the treatment plan that works best for me, rebuilding my strength and mobility, getting back to driving when it is safe, and regaining as much of my independence as possible.
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<div>And that starts with going home.
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<div>I have made the decision to move from Los Angeles back to Texas to be closer to my family and have a stronger support system while I navigate treatment and recovery.
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<div>Before my diagnosis, I was working as a caregiver. Unfortunately, caregiving is physically demanding work, and with the changes in my mobility and health, I recently had to step away from my position. Losing that income while simultaneously preparing for an interstate move and a new course of medical treatment has created some unexpected financial challenges.
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<div>Because I am temporarily unable to drive and still working through mobility issues, getting home also requires more coordination than a normal move. I will need someone to accompany me on the flight to Texas so that I can travel safely. My wonderful friend Oscar has generously offered to drive my belongings from California to Texas since I am not currently able to make that drive myself. I am incredibly grateful for that support.
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<div>I am starting this fundraiser with a goal of $6,500 to help make this transition possible.
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<div>The funds will help cover getting me safely home to Texas, transporting my belongings, travel expenses for the person accompanying me, moving expenses, transportation to medical appointments while I am temporarily unable to drive, medical and prescription expenses, establishing care with an MS specialist in Texas, rehabilitation or physical therapy if needed, and basic living expenses while I adjust to treatment and determine when I am physically ready to return to work.
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<div>This isn't about giving up my independence. It is about giving myself the time and support necessary to rebuild it.
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<div>For months, I knew something was happening with my body without knowing exactly what it was. Having a diagnosis means I finally have something incredibly important: a direction forward.
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<div>My goal is to get home, establish the right medical care, get stronger, return to driving when it is medically safe, eventually return to work, and learn how to manage MS while continuing to live a full life.
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<div>I am incredibly grateful for the doctors and nurses who helped me finally get answers, and for the friends and family who have checked on me, driven me places, helped with appointments, prayed for me, encouraged me, and stayed patient with me throughout this process.
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<div>If you are able to contribute, any amount will help me make this transition safely. If donating isn't possible, simply sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much.
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<div>Thank you for helping me get home to my family and giving me a little breathing room to focus on treatment, recovery, and this next chapter.
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<div>With love and gratitude,
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<div>Marcé Nicole Butler
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Kortnei Morris

Antonio Frias

Anonymous

Samantha Smagala

Zachary Riddle

Autumn Reeds

Sivasankar Balakrishnan

Kaaya Sharma

Bruce Givens

Sophia Evangelatos

Ryan Redondo

Emily Long

Standing with Marcé Through Her Move and Treatment

Standing with Marcé Through Her Move and Treatment

Still $1,369 to go. Help us build momentum.