Help Kim beat MS with Stem Cells
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Hello, my name is Kim. I appreciate that you have taken the time to look at my GoFundMe fundraiser. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1991. I have a very aggressive form of MS, Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS). There is no cure and there are currently no disease modifying drugs that will help me manage my condition.
SPMS is an insidiously cruel disease in which disability progresses relentlessly. Just a few years ago I could walk with a cane, then I needed a walker and now I usually need an electric scooter. My MS is also associated with lost function across the left side of my body, especially in my left hand. This is further complicated by related pain and swelling.
Despite losing much of my independence in recent years, I am positive and I push myself to be as strong as I can be every day. I have been carried by my faith, husband, family and friends. I am determined to find a way to stop this disease, and recently a friend who also has MS has shared with me a remarkable therapy that has dramatically improved the quality of her life.
The therapy involves the transplantation of my own stem cells that would be conducted by a Texas based biotechnology company, Celltex. Tissue that contains Mesenchymal Stem Cells would be surgically harvested from my body, separated, concentrated and introduced into my central nervous system. Many who have pursued this therapy have had remarkable results, regaining function as the stem cells work to rebuild central nervous system damage.
While there is a significant body of science that is leading this therapy through clinical trials, my health insurance will not cover the cost, which is still considered to be “investigational”. I am also faced with the reality that waiting for this treatment to become a conventional therapy will take years that I do not have.
The cost is astronomical and will likely exceed $100,000 when considering the cost of multiple surgical procedures, treatments and trips to facilities where this work can be done. This is why I am here, asking you for your help. For those of you who know me, you know that it is very difficult for me to ask for help. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. It is my hope and prayer to begin this therapy early in 2017.
Thank you for reading my story. If you cannot make a donation, please consider sharing my GoFundMe with others in your circle that may be able to help. I am grateful for your generosity, please pray for me. God bless you, Kim
SPMS is an insidiously cruel disease in which disability progresses relentlessly. Just a few years ago I could walk with a cane, then I needed a walker and now I usually need an electric scooter. My MS is also associated with lost function across the left side of my body, especially in my left hand. This is further complicated by related pain and swelling.
Despite losing much of my independence in recent years, I am positive and I push myself to be as strong as I can be every day. I have been carried by my faith, husband, family and friends. I am determined to find a way to stop this disease, and recently a friend who also has MS has shared with me a remarkable therapy that has dramatically improved the quality of her life.
The therapy involves the transplantation of my own stem cells that would be conducted by a Texas based biotechnology company, Celltex. Tissue that contains Mesenchymal Stem Cells would be surgically harvested from my body, separated, concentrated and introduced into my central nervous system. Many who have pursued this therapy have had remarkable results, regaining function as the stem cells work to rebuild central nervous system damage.
While there is a significant body of science that is leading this therapy through clinical trials, my health insurance will not cover the cost, which is still considered to be “investigational”. I am also faced with the reality that waiting for this treatment to become a conventional therapy will take years that I do not have.
The cost is astronomical and will likely exceed $100,000 when considering the cost of multiple surgical procedures, treatments and trips to facilities where this work can be done. This is why I am here, asking you for your help. For those of you who know me, you know that it is very difficult for me to ask for help. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. It is my hope and prayer to begin this therapy early in 2017.
Thank you for reading my story. If you cannot make a donation, please consider sharing my GoFundMe with others in your circle that may be able to help. I am grateful for your generosity, please pray for me. God bless you, Kim
Organizer
Kim Cusimano Hartwick
Organizer
Oakton, VA
