Hi everyone! My name is Letitia, but all my friends call me Tish. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) almost 26 years ago and have been fighting this disease ever since. MS affects the entire nervous system and disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and the body. Even with all the of the research available, unfortunately there is still no cure. While there are treatments which can help reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms, it's a constant, daily struggle that has become more aggressive over the past five years in particular.

I have set up this GoFundMe page to help ease the financial burden this disease has inflicted on myself and my family. We have had to make a lot of adjustments financially in order to afford all of the treatments and ADA equipment that I now need to use on a daily basis that insurance doesn’t cover. In addition to that, we are in need of making adjustments in our house to be more wheelchair accessible. With minor upgrades, we would be able to rebuild the ramp to our front door and remodel the master bathroom to make using the restroom and bathing not only easier on myself, but also allow us to make the bathroom a safe and functional room that I can, hopefully one day, use on my own.

Though not everyone is affected by the same symptoms, I currently suffer from vertigo, extreme dizziness (making me a true dizzy blonde!), drop-toe on both feet meaning I constantly trip and fall because of lack of strength in my legs and inability to pick up my toes and walk properly. I can no longer stand up and walk without assistance from my walker or electric scooter (it sounds so much better than wheelchair), and although I've lost many abilities, it doesn’t stop me from trying-- my family says I'm stubborn, but I like to think of it as having determination and perseverance! I have severe tremors throughout my body, which make day-to-day activities incredibly difficult, such as brushing my hair, changing clothes, eating or using the restroom. This past year, I underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery to help lessen the tremors. It was experimental as the surgery had never been done on someone with MS before and they have only attempted it on Parkinson's patients. The device that was implanted into my brain and chest has helped slow the progression of the tremors, but after the surgery, I lost a lot of abilities on the left side of my body. I haven’t fully given up on my dream of walking again-- it’s just been a huge and scary adjustment over the last year-- one in all honesty, that I was incredibly hopeful would see more progression since the surgery.

While symptoms are not fatal, they are extremely frustrating. Thankfully, I have been blessed with a never-quit attitude and a strong inner strength, a loving husband who believes in me and supports me physically and emotionally. I have wonderful children who love me and do everything in their power to help me, including their significant others that also support me. My mom has unselfishly moved in with us to help me when my husband is working out of town. I have friends who give me strength and encourage me to keep on fighting and a Father in Heaven that assures me he won't give me more than I can handle. I am truly thankful for all of these blessings in my life.

That being said, my family and I would love to live in a world where this disease no longer exists. Until then, I am asking that you consider supporting my family and myself with some of the living expenses that have arisen due to actively trying to fight this. I want to thank you all for considering to join our fight and appreciate your support! You can learn more about MS by visiting the National MS Society: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/.


Much love,

Tish Brazier