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Hope for Brandon

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I’m so grateful for all of the beautiful memories we have made, adventures we have taken and all the celebrations.  I’m also grateful for the love poured out to us by family and friends during some of the hardest times.  We have both learned so much about the gift of sharing one another’s burdens and understand that God designed us to love and be loved.  As I look back over our life together, it’ hurts my heart to see all that Multiple Sclerosis has taken.  No more hikes through the mountains, walks on the beach, kayaking through the mangroves.  It’s given us instead financial uncertainty, the need to sell our home, endless hours of medical research, a pass on most group events, and the fear of "what ifs".

My husband was diagnosed with MS in 2015 just before he turned 40.

".What’s MS? It means the body's immune system targets its own central nervous system - the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Due to the role the central nervous system has in the body, many areas can be affected by the disease. Common symptoms include fatigue, walking difficulties, vision problems, bladder problems, pain and cognitive changes...."

The symptoms and pain he experiences with MS is different each day.

40 was the beginning of some of the greatest challenges for Brandon....  surgery due to a broken shoulder from a fall, 2 total loss rear end collisions caused by other drivers, weekly physical therapy, and hospitalization due to a relapse from MS. Through it all, he has researched and tried to do everything in his reach to fight this by taking countless supplements, being a part of a phase 4 medication trial for MS at the University of South Florida, getting monthly infusions at the Florida Cancer Institute, daily juicing fruits and vegetables, numerous diets, BEMER therapy, daily prayer and meditation just to name a few.

Through prayer, we believe Brandon has been lead to healing through a stem cell transplant.  He has been accepted by STEMEDIX for treatment March 28th.  

https://stemedix.com

There is a sense of urgency due to the nature of MS.  After each relapse or active episode, Brandon has been left with deficits. He has not been able to regain full muscle function.  We want to move quickly to avoid the chance of another relapse.

The Regenerative Cell Therapy recommendation for treatment would utilize Brandon’s own Adipose (fat) derived stem cells administered intravascularly (IV) along with an intranasal delivery of the cells. This would include the adipose stem cell therapy given intravenously along with a targeted nasal cavity injection of the cells to ensure they reach the tissues of his brain.

Another challenging disease that Brandon has is called Ankylosing Spondylitis.  It is an inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and large joints often causing severe neck and back pain.  Others have also seen benefits from stem cell treatment in those who have the condition of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).

"AS can also cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in other areas of the body such as the shoulders, hips, ribs, heels, and small joints of the hands and feet. Sometimes the eyes can become involved (known as iritis or uveitis), and -- rarely -- the lungs and heart can be affected."

"In more advanced cases this inflammation can lead to ankylosis -- new bone formation in the spine -- causing sections of the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position."

Unfortunately insurance does not cover any of the expenses.  We would appreciate your prayers for healing through this treatment and thank all who have supported us along this journey.  All of your calls, cards, texts, hugs, listening ears, shoulders to cry on, help with our home and work, understanding when we don’t show up, and grace for us have been appreciated more than you can know! If God puts it in your heart to help us with a donation, we thank you!!

More than anything, we treasure your prayers!

Donations 

  • John Turnure
    • $500 
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Zumba Fund Raiser
    • $646 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $300 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs

Organizer

Stacey Hess
Organizer
Mulberry, FL

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