This GoFundMe has been created to support our beloved friend Amy Rice, who is courageously battling a progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In 2005, after extensive testing at three leading clinics, Amy was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis — a debilitating autoimmune disease that attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding muscles and nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Since that day, Amy has faced her illness with extraordinary strength and perseverance.

Despite undergoing countless treatments, medications, and procedures over the last 20 years, Amy’s MS has now advanced to refractory secondary progressive MS — a more aggressive and less treatable form, nearing phase 2 of 3 in severity.

But today, we finally have HOPE.

Amy has just been accepted into BEAT-MS, a clinical trial for a procedure called Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AHSCT) - a powerful bone marrow stem cell transplant designed to halt the progression of MS and, possibly, reverse some of the existing damage. Even more incredible: the trial is being held just 30 minutes from Amy’s home at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, MA, and will begin on July 11, 2025.

Why This Means So Much

Amy is 1 of only 156 patients in the U.S. approved for this trial — truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. AHSCT will essentially “reboot” her immune system using high-dose chemotherapy, followed by the collection, purification, and reinfusion of her own stem cells. The journey will be physically and emotionally arduous 90+ days, involving:

• Round of high-dose Cytoxan chemotherapy followed by two week stem cell extraction from the bone marrow through Aphresis.

• A 30-day inpatient hospital stay with the Bone Marrow team, of which includes 7 more days of Cytoxan to kill of bad cells, reinfusion, and re-immunization.

• Daily hospital visits, testing, and constant monitoring

• Coordination between oncology, hematology, and neurology teams

For Amy, this is her Hail Mary — her best chance to stop the disease from progressing further. Currently, she lives with debilitating symptoms: severe fatigue, chronic pain, body numbness, impaired mobility and balance, cognitive issues, weakened lungs, and other organ complications.

How You Can Help

While the clinical trial covers the core procedure, there are many necessary expenses not included, both expected and potentially unexpected. That’s where your generosity can truly make a difference.

Your donation will go towards:

• Home care assistance before and after her hospital stay

• Daily transportation to and from the hospital as required

• Medications and medical supplies not covered by the trial

• At-home recovery needs

• Emergency room visits or hospitalizations, if needed

• Follow-up visits with specialists after the trial window ends

This is an enormous financial burden for someone already fighting so hard just to get through each day. Every dollar helps relieve stress and gives Amy the best possible chance of healing.

Join Amy’s Fight

We are endlessly grateful for your love, prayers, and support. Amy has poured so much light and kindness into the lives of others — now it's our turn to lift her up. Please share this page, spread the word, and if you’re able, donate.

With love and gratitude,

Amy’s Friends & Squad!

Beat-MS