Support Ciarra's Battle with Multiple Sclerosis

I’m reaching out to share an important and deeply personal update about my twin sister, Ciarra. What began as a few bad falls and difficulty walking due to what she thought was a sprained ankle, has turned into a life-altering diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

For years, Ciarra has battled debilitating migraines and has had several bad falls, which we all attributed to her being a bit of a klutz (a trait that runs in our family!). In October of 2023 after moving back from Germany to be closer to family and to continue to pursue her music passions in NYC, she discovered that her ongoing ankle weakness and decline in mobility was just the tip of the iceberg.

Thanks to a perceptive physical therapist, Ciarra was referred to a neurologist, leading to tests and MRIs that revealed active demyelinating lesions in her brain and spine. After additional testing, high doses of steroids, and a spinal tap, Ciarra’s MS diagnosis was confirmed. She has since begun aggressive treatment, including disease modifying infusion therapy, occupational and physical therapy, as well as many ongoing visits with a team of specialists at NYU.

Following her diagnosis, Ciarra’s life has been put on hold as the quick progression of the disease has taken a significant toll on her daily life and capabilities. Damage from the disease has impacted her walking and mobility, cognitive and motor functions, use of her hands and dexterity, and many other chronic debilitating symptoms. Although research and treatments for MS have come far over the years, the doctors suspect Ciarra has had this underlying disease for a decade or more resulting in an accumulation of progressive damage. MS is an incredibly unpredictable disease and it is hard to say what symptoms will improve and what symptoms will progress. Still, we remain hopeful that Ciarra will continue moving forward in her battle against this disease and we will be there with her every step of the way.

This journey has been incredibly humbling for all of us. Watching Ciarra face these challenges has been heartbreaking, and as she explores all possible treatment options, it’s become clear that we need to rally together to support her.

We are launching this fundraiser to help cover her living and medical expenses and to support her ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this message would also be a huge help. Proceeds for Ciarra will be managed by our mother Donna.

Let’s all show Ciarra the love and support she deserves during this difficult time.

With gratitude and appreciation,

Amanda Black