Renee has been bravely battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since 1988; but now is only getting worse. MS is a progressively debilitating neuro-muscular disease without a cure. Renee has gone from being a healthy, active woman who was self-reliant, independent and enjoyed helping others, to physically struggling to get through everyday tasks such as: walking, maintaining her balance, getting dressed, going shopping, physical therapy or other outside the home appointments. Renee’s only option at stopping this progressive disease is to have a stem cell transplant.
Renee was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI and attended Loy Norrix High School. She received an associate degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and her bachelor degree from Western Michigan University. Currently, Renee is a resident of Battle Creek, MI. Renee has worked at Print Pak in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Foot Surgery before having to go onto Disability due to the progression of the Multiple Sclerosis. You may also know her from her time as a member of Valley Family Church in Portage, MI or Victory Life Church in Battle Creek, MI.
Renee is hopeful that following her transplant she can again be an active participant in her community and help others the way they have so often needed to help her. HSCT, which halts the progression of MS, is not covered by insurance By God’s grace, Renee has been accepted at Clinica Ruiz in Mexico for this amazing treatment. While this is excellent news, it comes with a very high financial burden – $98,000. Renee and her caregiver will face the cost of airfare, lodging and food while there for a minimum of 28 days. Renee will also have post-transplant after care expenses such as: medications, therapies and doctor visits.
To help with the financial burden of Renee’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Great Lakes Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution today and click the DONATE NOW button.
Thank you all for your generous support and your prayers for Renee. Together, we can provide Renee a way to reclaim her life. Please watch Renee’s campaign page for additional fundraising opportunities and updates on her.
Gratefully,
Barb Coppins, Renee’s dear friend
[email protected]
