So taking this step is very difficult for me but I know that desperate times call for desperate measures. So here it is... In the winter of 2012, I noticed a lot of changes with my body. When I would walk, I noticed my right leg would not pick itself up thereby constantly tripping. On a family trip, I noticed that I was extremely fatigued whereby I constantly had to sit. At times my legs felt like "jello" in that I could not walk properly. It was the strangest feeling! I was having difficulties with my balance and the list goes on... I began to get worried and when I got back from my trip, I began researching into it. I listed all my symptoms in google and a common illness kept on popping up... Multiple Sclerosis (MS). For those of you unfamiliar with MS, it is "an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord). The disease attacks myelin, the protective covering of the nerves, causing inflammation and often damaging the myelin. Myelin is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses through nerve fibres." (MS Society of Canada, 2016). From reading about it I decided to quickly make an appointment with my family doctor and ask to have an MRI done. Once the results were in, my doctor asked to speak with me. I knew something wasn't right and it was the scariest day of my life.  From the day my doctor confirmed MS, my life has had a drastic change.

Years following, I went through bouts of depression as my mind kept on thinking about the uncertainty of the future. I also noticed my symptoms getting worse. Finally after many doctor appointments and MRIs, my neurologist said that my MS was categorized as Primary Progressive (PP) and that there are no medical treatments for this type of MS. Long story short, I began to search for possible treatments outside of Canada. I stumbled upon Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT).  Only a couple of institutions worldwide would perform this type of procedure for individuals with PPMS. I applied and was approved to have the procedure done in December 2016 at the Clinica Ruiz clinic in Mexico.

Here are some facts:

-HSCT: Reboots the immune system by removing stem cells, having chemotherapy, then inserting own stem cells back into the body (in vary basic terms)

-Cost: $54 000 US so approximately $69 000 CAN-out of pocket :(

-Duration of treatment: Approximately 30 days

Therefore, since this is the first and hopefully last time I will ever doing this, I want to sincerely ask for the public's help in raising funds for my medical treatment. I know that this is my last chance at halting MS. I have spoken to many who have had this procedure done and I have heard many successful stories. This procedure gives me hope for the future. I want to live knowing that I fought this awful dis-ease (purposely spelt it that way).I know that I want to better myself so that I can help and support others. It would mean the world to me to have the support of the public. I would be forever grateful!




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