Let it flow, let yourself go!

Every minute of every single day was full of hopelessness and deep despair.. That was how I felt before I found hope again. As a teacher of young children with disabilities, my career and life fell apart two years ago but I have found a way back. And with a little bit of support, I can reclaim my life again.

 

     Anyone who’s driven in a cold weather climate has experienced the trials of driving among potholes. These potholes can make a trip difficult, hazardous, and can even sideline the whole trip due to things like flat tires and damaged rims.

 Now imagine that the potholes are in your brain. Since my immune system has decided to attack me instead of just the germs it’s supposed to subdue, that metaphor is sadly representative of my personal experience with Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed in  July of 2017 after “not feeling right” for years prior. It is progressive, there is no cure, and it has already had a devastating impact on my career, finances, and life in general.


“So, Nicole,” says a friend. “I don’t know much about Multiple Sclerosis. I’ve just heard that it can be rough. What do you find difficult?”


“Just the stuff my brain controls.”


“So...everything?”


Yes. Everything. Everything is difficult. Every minute of every day is a struggle. Eating, drinking, bathing, dressing, standing, walking, opening food containers, cooking, cleaning, speaking. Everything. 


So I had to give up a full time career and now can only work very limited hours. When I’m not working, I have to recover. I take in the occasional concert to give me some joy, but these events require DAYS of recovery. 


Through a friend, though, I have found some respite and relief, and hope. She introduced me to an FDA-approved medical device that is proven to improve physical endurance, concentration, sleep, energy and more. Blood flow increases by nearly 30% in the body. This technology has changed my life.

 

Before using this device walking upstairs left me exhausted as I had to hold onto the railing with both hands to slowly go step over step with the same foot, pulling myself  until I reached the top. Through the use of this device, I am, for example, able to climb the stairs without difficulty, eat and drink without problems with swallowing, and am beginning to even navigate some days without napping. There have been so many more positive changes since this technology came into my life. It has been a dream come true. I finally have hope again.

 

I dream of returning to my teaching career and working full time again someday soon. I need to purchase this device so I can use it daily – and for the rest of my life. I know I have a long recovery ahead but having this device in life would make all the difference in the world when it comes to my independence, emotional well-being, mobility, and so much more.

 

However, my very limited work hours cannot support such a purchase. “Rainy Day” and all other savings have been depleted. I am swallowing my pride to ask for assistance. 


The device costs $7,000.  I’m asking that anyone who is able, to please help me purchase this life-changing technology. It is the best investment for me to recover and restore my health – both now and for the future. So any contribution, regardless of size, will make a big difference and I would be most grateful. I long to regain the strength and stamina to effectively contribute once again to my family, students and community.




In deepest gratitude,

Nicole