Help Rachel fight MS by halting it with HSCT

I was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in January of 2016 at the age of 42, but looking back my symptoms started in my late twenties. I’m currently on my third MS medication, but despite being on MS medications, my health is still declining. I am dealing with cognitive issues, bladder issues, severe fatigue, walking issues, numbness in my arms and legs, right side impairment and unbearable nerve pain. Some days, I struggle to walk without severe pain and find myself struggling to get out of bed due to the MS fatigue. I’m just a shell of my “old” self.  This disease can be very isolating because I simply  don’t have the energy to do the things that I use to love to do. Who would have thought that taking a shower could drain all of my energy for the day.

My mom also had MS and became totally disabled after a MS relapse at the age of 41. There is nothing worse than to see your mom go from a young vibrant woman to ending up in a nursing home. My mom passed away at the age of 58 due to MS complications. Losing her left a huge hole in our hearts for the whole family. This is something that I would never want to put my family through. **The picture in the lower right corner is of my mom**

 

My best chance at halting my MS is to have a stem cell transplant (HSCT) to reboot my immune system. HSCT is currently in the clinical trials in the United States with very positive results. My primary doctor has urged me to try to get into the clinical trials, but I have been turned away because I’m not “disabled” enough and was told to call back when I have my next relapse. I’m not willing to wait for another relapse because it may be the one that will leave me totally disabled. I’m 47 years young and I still want to be able to dance with my younger son at his wedding  and when the time comes, to be able to be play with my future grandkids. MS has already taken so much from me and I’m fighting back. I NOT going let it slowly take my life away.

I was blessed to be well enough to dance with our older son at his wedding. I want the same for his brother!

I’m not willing to let MS take me down without a fight. After much research and praying, my best chance to fight this disease is to pay for the stem cell transplant out of our own pockets since insurance will not cover it. I’m scheduled to have the transplant on 01/30/21 at Clinica Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico.  I will be there for 28 days. During that time my own stem cells will be harvested and frozen. I will then have 4 days of chemotherapy and fresh stem cells will be introduced back into my body. It basically reboots  my system to that of a newborn baby. Yes, I will have to get all of my childhood vaccines done again down the road. I will then fly back home to recover and let my new immune system build  back up. This HSCT is essentially halting my MS and stopping any further progression. I will be free from any further relapses or damage to my body. I will no longer have to take the MS medications that make me feel like I’m on death’s door.

Here is a breakdown of the all,of the costs associated with the transplant:

Transplant: $54,500
MRIs once I land: $700
Full time carer: $2,750
Post transplant medications:$600
Post transplant labs: $550
Flights: $2,500
Unexpected costs: $1,400

*These funds are to 60 days prior to my transplant  (11/29/21)*



Even if you can’t donate, I would truly be grateful if you could please share this link so I can get it out to as many people as possible! Also, prayers from all our prayer warriors would be much appreciated. 

 

I understand that some people do not feel comfortable donating online. Donations will gladly be accepted to the following address: 

P.O. Box 156
Republic, MO 65738

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.