
Stem cell treatment for severe MS
Donation protected
In 2013, I was diagnosed with a rapidly progressing form of Multiple Sclerosis. A few years later, after a lot of trial and error, we finally found a medical therapy that seemed to be working. On 7/16 of this year, we did a routine brain and spine MRI to check and see if treatment was still successful. What we found were 20+ new brain lesions, and growth of the previously existing lesions. I am on my third unsuccessful medical therapy, and I've tried different diets and exercise routines.
My neurologist wants me to switch to a stronger medication. This medication is a powerful immunosuppressant. Needless to say, I am not comfortable taking these medications in America with the rampant community spread of covid, lack of effort in properly addressing it from leadership and citizens, and overburdening of our healthcare infrastructure. My family and I are being faced with an impossible decision: Take the stronger medication and risk ending up on a vent during the pandemic, or don't, and see slowly progressing disabilities.
We do have another, more difficult option to pursue: stem cell therapy. There have been many stories of MS patients successfully halting disease progression with MSC stem cell treatment. This therapy is not approved for treatment for MS by the FDA in America, so health insurance will not cover it. The therapy itself will cost $10,000-15,000, and I may need a second treatment within the following year. We have a small nest egg to put towards treatment, but we just spent a very large amount of money purchasing a small home and home improvements, so the timing has not been in our favor.
I've never been one to ask for help, but this is bigger than me, and GoFundMe was suggested by several people we know. This situation has inspired a sense of urgency. I want to be there for my wife and daughter for years to come. I am afraid that I may end up watching Lilly grow from a wheelchair, or worse yet, a bed. I don't want to miss out on all of the beautiful daddy/daughter moments. I don't want to miss out on all of the anniversary vacations with my beautiful wife. I am doing everything I can to continue to fight, but my family would greatly benefit from some help in dealing with this situation. We don't expect to hit this goal, and I feel bad even asking because there are so many others in the world who are suffering and could use it. But every little bit will help, and will not be taken for granted.
Thank you all so much for your interest, friendship, and support.
My neurologist wants me to switch to a stronger medication. This medication is a powerful immunosuppressant. Needless to say, I am not comfortable taking these medications in America with the rampant community spread of covid, lack of effort in properly addressing it from leadership and citizens, and overburdening of our healthcare infrastructure. My family and I are being faced with an impossible decision: Take the stronger medication and risk ending up on a vent during the pandemic, or don't, and see slowly progressing disabilities.
We do have another, more difficult option to pursue: stem cell therapy. There have been many stories of MS patients successfully halting disease progression with MSC stem cell treatment. This therapy is not approved for treatment for MS by the FDA in America, so health insurance will not cover it. The therapy itself will cost $10,000-15,000, and I may need a second treatment within the following year. We have a small nest egg to put towards treatment, but we just spent a very large amount of money purchasing a small home and home improvements, so the timing has not been in our favor.
I've never been one to ask for help, but this is bigger than me, and GoFundMe was suggested by several people we know. This situation has inspired a sense of urgency. I want to be there for my wife and daughter for years to come. I am afraid that I may end up watching Lilly grow from a wheelchair, or worse yet, a bed. I don't want to miss out on all of the beautiful daddy/daughter moments. I don't want to miss out on all of the anniversary vacations with my beautiful wife. I am doing everything I can to continue to fight, but my family would greatly benefit from some help in dealing with this situation. We don't expect to hit this goal, and I feel bad even asking because there are so many others in the world who are suffering and could use it. But every little bit will help, and will not be taken for granted.
Thank you all so much for your interest, friendship, and support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sean Morr
Organizer
New Port Richey, FL
Samantha Morr
Beneficiary