Vanessa King's Lifelong Hope & Faith for a Miracle
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As I sit here remembering how it all started 41 years ago in Alexandria, LA, December 1977; we were mere children, but thought we were all grown up. I was in love with a long-haired blonde beauty named Vanessa Paul, which back in the 70”s when the CB radio was still popular, she was known as “The Florida Sunshine”. It was uncanny how we started dating in the first place because we had known each other virtually all of our lives. She knew I liked her and a couple years earlier, to let me down easy, she had always told me she loved me; but only as a friend. If I’m not anything I am persistent and eighteen months later we were married in June of 1979; changed her last name to King and off we went to make our way in the world. We were two very young people; ages 17 and 18, but committed and determined to love God, each other and our families…..by the way, she was the older. Even to this day, 80 years married together this coming June (40 years for her and 40 for me makes 80 together), she will still remind me that she loves me the most, but I am quick to remind her that I loved her first. We have unquestionably been a blessed couple and family.
It was our calling and mission to bless as many people along the way as we possibly could. We even said so in our wedding vows. We have been blessed by lifelong friendships. We have given and received blessings through social or business acquaintance that has resulted in a mutual blessing. Others we tried to bless by giving of our time and effort; some maybe just a kind or encouraging word along the way. There was the stranger that you didn’t know, but knew they needed just the smile of another or another kind gesture to help them along their day. Whatever the cause or place or time, if we could help or assist anyone in any way, we made the effort and sacrifice. Today, we find ourselves in the circumstances of reaching out to our families, friends and even the unfamiliar stranger to ask for your sacrificial assistance with a very challenging situation.
Here is our story in as short a version as possible. One year after we were married, Vanessa was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at 20 years old. MS is an autoimmune system disorder in which the body’s own immune cells attack the central nervous system; the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve - destroying the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells. Once that protective barrier is damaged, the nerve impulses that travel between the brain and spinal cord are blocked or distorted affecting walking, balance, coordination and vision. Being the independent spirit and positive minded person she is, we purposed to live our lives as positive and normal as we could. Nothing would change in our mission and we would just deal with the challenges if and when they presented themselves. We put our faith in God and each other and went on our way. The challenges and difficulties of the MS were definitely a part of our lives along the way, but we never let them dictate or hinder our purpose. Vanessa became a Nurse and served her patients at both the VA and the local Charity hospital along with a nursing home for many good years until our son was born. We were blessed that she was able to quit nursing after our only child Chaz was born, so she could focus her attention on her health and raising our son the best she could. The impact of the birth had a detrimental impact on her health, but being the fighter she is she overcame the challenges again and was able to work for a while longer until it became impractical due to some fine motor skills being impacted. She was blessed to have MS medicine treatments available to her to minimize her relapses or exacerbations that allowed her to live a very productive and effective life for 30+ years with this disease.
What I can tell you about Vanessa, as the husband that has been by her side through this almost 40 year battle, is that never ever even one time has she ever been a victim of this incredibly debilitating disease. She is a hard worker and has not even a lazy cell in her body. She is an adventurer. She fights. She prays. She has faith in God. She believes. She encourages others. She overcomes. Her first and foremost concern every day, even above herself is her two puppies; Romeo and Baylee. They must be cared for and they need me, she says. She is unquestionably a “Dog People” and would run a rescue if she was physically able. Some days I’m jealous and just wish I was the dog.
The past 6-8 years have been the most aggressive and debilitating of her long journey and this is where we find her today. She lived a long time in the Relapsing/Remitting phase of the disease, but has progressed to what medicine refers to as the Secondary Progressive (SP) Stage. There is no longer any medicine to challenge the progression of the disease at this point. This SP diagnosis has been confirmed by two MS Neurological specialists; one with Baylor in Houston, the other at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans. The next stage for her is Primary Progressive. Up to the past few years, medicine has helped keep the disease at bay and we are thankful for that. Today, because there are no approved therapies here in the USA, the goal of her Physicians is to make her as comfortable as possible and just let the disease take its course. We are not accepting this as the end of her story.
She has not driven for 6 years and has become totally dependent. Her vision is severely impaired as a result of this disease and recently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. Just last year, Vanessa was diagnosed with Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia) and struggles daily with the incredible effects of this disease in her daily life. To say life has become a real struggle for her would be an understatement. She cannot see things right in front of her due to her near vision be virtually diminished. She gets lost in her own home often. She has daily challenges dressing herself. She has severe cognitive issues along with balance and coordination issues. She simply gets lost in a public restroom almost 100% of the time now. She has bowel and incontinence issues daily. Her inability to use logic and simple thinking some days are just incredible how she struggles with the simplest of things. Combine the impaired vision with the cognitive deficiency and it is incredible to watch it play out every day; impairments in memory, speech, reasoning, intellectual function. There is so many other issues, but I don’t want to keep focusing on the incredible amount of limitations and challenges she lives with because she is an overcomer. She does well in her given situation and does so without complaint or asking why me? I would rather turn your attention to why we are establishing this fund.
We have been made aware of a medical procedure not available here in the USA using stem cells to aid the body in potentially healing or regenerating itself. MS is one of the diseases they treat and have an established protocol for. We have engaged in conversation with the Cell Institute located in Panama City, Panama along with reading and watching testimonials, studying the science, asking the pertinent questions and reaching out to current and former patients who have utilized this treatment. Of course, insurance will not cover this treatment and they are not inexpensive to say the least. We are acting to pursue the treatments ASAP, even in the next couple months once arrangements can be finalized.
Instead of me trying to tell you about the treatments and the science behind it, here is the link to the website for the Cell Institute; https://www.cellmedicine.com/
Here is the link to the MS page; https://www.cellmedicine.com/stem-cell-therapy-for-multiple-sclerosis-3/
Here is a link to the MS Chapter in Dr. Riordan’s book, “Stem Cell Therapy - A Rising Tide”; https://www.cellmedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Stem-Cell-Therapy-A-Rising-Tide-MS-Chapter-9-17D.pdf
Of all we have read, seen and discussed with current and former patients, this is the best medicine available for this disease, at this time. Her qualified and competent Doctors have said they have done all they can do other than make her as comfortable as possible with medical drugs. The science behind this treatment says there is the hope of regeneration; not just blocking or delaying the disease as has been the approach in science and medicine thus far. If there is hope out there, no one deserves the opportunity for healing and improvement any more than Vanessa. If Vanessa did not have MS, I believe she would be a marathon runner. If this treatment can bring her back to a more normal existence, she will be able to be the giver she once was to others. In many cases, the most successful patients have received several treatments and experienced a progressive improvement at each step. The goal of this effort is to raise the funds to be able to provide multiple treatments to Vanessa, as well. There is nothing more Vanessa wants in her life right now than to be as whole as she can be and to be a Grandma to her future grandkids, as soon as possible. I pray you can find it in your heart and financial resources to be able to make a contribution to someone who deserves a miracle in her life. That is not to say others don’t deserve a miracle, but none any more than her, right now. Our promise and commitment to you is to only spend any donated funds on her treatments and associated costs specific to this effort. If we determine the treatments are not helping her, any unused funds will be donated to another worthy and needy patient. That is my personal commitment to you.
Some would say we are crazy and they could be right. Some would say you have no choice if this could be the answer and improve her quality of life and they would be right, too. I just know that if you don’t play you can’t win….you can only speculate about it. We are great believers in miracles. We will believe for the miracle of God through science and medicine to bring the improvement to her beautiful life. We have prayed and believed for a supernatural miracle where her healing would be spontaneous. However, it is no less a miracle if God chooses to use man, as he does with most things in this world to bring about her healing. For those who are so led and can contribute financially, you will have our undying gratitude and thanks. And for those who can’t, you will have the same. Our relationships are not based on these temporal things, but if you can and are so led to be a blessing to a wonderfully deserving person, please do. To God be the Glory!
-Mike King, Husband, Friend and Caregiver of Vanessa Paul King
It was our calling and mission to bless as many people along the way as we possibly could. We even said so in our wedding vows. We have been blessed by lifelong friendships. We have given and received blessings through social or business acquaintance that has resulted in a mutual blessing. Others we tried to bless by giving of our time and effort; some maybe just a kind or encouraging word along the way. There was the stranger that you didn’t know, but knew they needed just the smile of another or another kind gesture to help them along their day. Whatever the cause or place or time, if we could help or assist anyone in any way, we made the effort and sacrifice. Today, we find ourselves in the circumstances of reaching out to our families, friends and even the unfamiliar stranger to ask for your sacrificial assistance with a very challenging situation.
Here is our story in as short a version as possible. One year after we were married, Vanessa was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at 20 years old. MS is an autoimmune system disorder in which the body’s own immune cells attack the central nervous system; the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve - destroying the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells. Once that protective barrier is damaged, the nerve impulses that travel between the brain and spinal cord are blocked or distorted affecting walking, balance, coordination and vision. Being the independent spirit and positive minded person she is, we purposed to live our lives as positive and normal as we could. Nothing would change in our mission and we would just deal with the challenges if and when they presented themselves. We put our faith in God and each other and went on our way. The challenges and difficulties of the MS were definitely a part of our lives along the way, but we never let them dictate or hinder our purpose. Vanessa became a Nurse and served her patients at both the VA and the local Charity hospital along with a nursing home for many good years until our son was born. We were blessed that she was able to quit nursing after our only child Chaz was born, so she could focus her attention on her health and raising our son the best she could. The impact of the birth had a detrimental impact on her health, but being the fighter she is she overcame the challenges again and was able to work for a while longer until it became impractical due to some fine motor skills being impacted. She was blessed to have MS medicine treatments available to her to minimize her relapses or exacerbations that allowed her to live a very productive and effective life for 30+ years with this disease.
What I can tell you about Vanessa, as the husband that has been by her side through this almost 40 year battle, is that never ever even one time has she ever been a victim of this incredibly debilitating disease. She is a hard worker and has not even a lazy cell in her body. She is an adventurer. She fights. She prays. She has faith in God. She believes. She encourages others. She overcomes. Her first and foremost concern every day, even above herself is her two puppies; Romeo and Baylee. They must be cared for and they need me, she says. She is unquestionably a “Dog People” and would run a rescue if she was physically able. Some days I’m jealous and just wish I was the dog.
The past 6-8 years have been the most aggressive and debilitating of her long journey and this is where we find her today. She lived a long time in the Relapsing/Remitting phase of the disease, but has progressed to what medicine refers to as the Secondary Progressive (SP) Stage. There is no longer any medicine to challenge the progression of the disease at this point. This SP diagnosis has been confirmed by two MS Neurological specialists; one with Baylor in Houston, the other at LSU Medical Center in New Orleans. The next stage for her is Primary Progressive. Up to the past few years, medicine has helped keep the disease at bay and we are thankful for that. Today, because there are no approved therapies here in the USA, the goal of her Physicians is to make her as comfortable as possible and just let the disease take its course. We are not accepting this as the end of her story.
She has not driven for 6 years and has become totally dependent. Her vision is severely impaired as a result of this disease and recently diagnosed with Macular Degeneration. Just last year, Vanessa was diagnosed with Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia) and struggles daily with the incredible effects of this disease in her daily life. To say life has become a real struggle for her would be an understatement. She cannot see things right in front of her due to her near vision be virtually diminished. She gets lost in her own home often. She has daily challenges dressing herself. She has severe cognitive issues along with balance and coordination issues. She simply gets lost in a public restroom almost 100% of the time now. She has bowel and incontinence issues daily. Her inability to use logic and simple thinking some days are just incredible how she struggles with the simplest of things. Combine the impaired vision with the cognitive deficiency and it is incredible to watch it play out every day; impairments in memory, speech, reasoning, intellectual function. There is so many other issues, but I don’t want to keep focusing on the incredible amount of limitations and challenges she lives with because she is an overcomer. She does well in her given situation and does so without complaint or asking why me? I would rather turn your attention to why we are establishing this fund.
We have been made aware of a medical procedure not available here in the USA using stem cells to aid the body in potentially healing or regenerating itself. MS is one of the diseases they treat and have an established protocol for. We have engaged in conversation with the Cell Institute located in Panama City, Panama along with reading and watching testimonials, studying the science, asking the pertinent questions and reaching out to current and former patients who have utilized this treatment. Of course, insurance will not cover this treatment and they are not inexpensive to say the least. We are acting to pursue the treatments ASAP, even in the next couple months once arrangements can be finalized.
Instead of me trying to tell you about the treatments and the science behind it, here is the link to the website for the Cell Institute; https://www.cellmedicine.com/
Here is the link to the MS page; https://www.cellmedicine.com/stem-cell-therapy-for-multiple-sclerosis-3/
Here is a link to the MS Chapter in Dr. Riordan’s book, “Stem Cell Therapy - A Rising Tide”; https://www.cellmedicine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Stem-Cell-Therapy-A-Rising-Tide-MS-Chapter-9-17D.pdf
Of all we have read, seen and discussed with current and former patients, this is the best medicine available for this disease, at this time. Her qualified and competent Doctors have said they have done all they can do other than make her as comfortable as possible with medical drugs. The science behind this treatment says there is the hope of regeneration; not just blocking or delaying the disease as has been the approach in science and medicine thus far. If there is hope out there, no one deserves the opportunity for healing and improvement any more than Vanessa. If Vanessa did not have MS, I believe she would be a marathon runner. If this treatment can bring her back to a more normal existence, she will be able to be the giver she once was to others. In many cases, the most successful patients have received several treatments and experienced a progressive improvement at each step. The goal of this effort is to raise the funds to be able to provide multiple treatments to Vanessa, as well. There is nothing more Vanessa wants in her life right now than to be as whole as she can be and to be a Grandma to her future grandkids, as soon as possible. I pray you can find it in your heart and financial resources to be able to make a contribution to someone who deserves a miracle in her life. That is not to say others don’t deserve a miracle, but none any more than her, right now. Our promise and commitment to you is to only spend any donated funds on her treatments and associated costs specific to this effort. If we determine the treatments are not helping her, any unused funds will be donated to another worthy and needy patient. That is my personal commitment to you.
Some would say we are crazy and they could be right. Some would say you have no choice if this could be the answer and improve her quality of life and they would be right, too. I just know that if you don’t play you can’t win….you can only speculate about it. We are great believers in miracles. We will believe for the miracle of God through science and medicine to bring the improvement to her beautiful life. We have prayed and believed for a supernatural miracle where her healing would be spontaneous. However, it is no less a miracle if God chooses to use man, as he does with most things in this world to bring about her healing. For those who are so led and can contribute financially, you will have our undying gratitude and thanks. And for those who can’t, you will have the same. Our relationships are not based on these temporal things, but if you can and are so led to be a blessing to a wonderfully deserving person, please do. To God be the Glory!
-Mike King, Husband, Friend and Caregiver of Vanessa Paul King
Organizer
Mike King
Organizer
Freeport, TX