Hey everyone as you all may know, my name is Christina and a big shocker, I have Multiple Sclerosis(MS). MS is an auto immune disease where your body attacks itself and could over a length of time through progression of the disease, leave you paralyzed or worse,death. 

 Many may not know my story but I was diagnosed a week before my 16th birthday because of findings of lesions on my brain and also through a spinal tap( great birthday present). 

That was in 2004. We’re now in 2018 and wow has life thrown me on a rollercoaster of events. 

Getting diagnosed, I still felt like everything was fine because I was told take “Rebif” (1st MS drug) and it will keep the MS from progressing. It’s wrong . I later found  out I had  increased lesions (when my body attacks the covering on my brain exposing and impacting my nerves) on my brain, spine and neck. Doctors then told me the drug was failing me and I should try something new on the market. A drug named Tysabri (drug #2) which I felt forced upon me being I at that time was 18 and told I didn’t need my parents permission to start the new and improved best thing . This is what started my downfall.In 2007.  I became extremely excited to take my meds. It’s an infusion once a month and not a constant 3 days out the week like Rebif. Not to mention my body can tell whenI’m in need for another dose. But the turn of events came in 2010 when I had to start using a walker because it became hard to walk. Fast forward to 2013 and I became hospitalized because I was on the verge of becoming paralyzed. In the hospital, I found out I’ve become JC virus positive for a rare disease on my brain form using Tysabri.  I then stopped the Tysabri and started getting Chemo(drug 3) to fight the MS along with Plasmapherisis (Drug 4). Talk about a ride!!

Even though I faced a lot of trials,
God managed to bless me with a loving , understanding husband and a little girl(2014-2015) but now the spiral of declining health started coming at a faster pace. I went from using a walker in the house and wheelchair outside to get around, to now having to use a wheelchair all the time. Realizing that’s not what I wanted, I decided to try a baclofen pump (drug 5) in hopes of me trying to get my legs back and walk but once again, a disappointment. I’ve become worse then I’ve ever been. I guess I’ve reached a point in life that I need a miracle. Doing research, I stumbled across my answer from God( at least I hope it is).

I  have a chance to participate in a relatively new stem cell treatment with a company called Stemgenex (  https://stemgenex.com/ ) 

The treatment uses my own healthy stem cells to "hopefully" reverse or regenerate some of my bodily functions that i’ve lost due to the illness. Anything gained is a blessing at this point being no insurance or medicaid pays the bill for the procedure. The cost of the treatment alone is estimated at $17,000. Airfare, lodging and transportation to San Diego could come to about $20,000.  

This account was created to hopefully raise the funds needed to get me to California to receive the treatment. 

I would like to invite you to look at the Stemgenex website @ https://stemgenex.com/ and watch the videos about the MS success stories.

Through the prayers,and funds raised, let’s try for a miracle at getting the old Tina back that everyone once knew. Again thank you all for the love and support I greatly appreciate it.