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Michael Warren was born and raised in Seattle, WA. Most of his formative years were spent in the Wedgwood and Ravenna neighborhoods. A natural athlete, he enjoyed skiing, skateboarding, boxing, basketball and football. He played in the Wedgwood Football League in the early 1970s; one year, his team took home the city championship title by winning the final game at Memorial Stadium.
After high school, Michael explored long lining and other commercial fishing jobs in Alaska. After a few years, he settled down in Seattle and began a roofing career with the Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers (Local 54), where he quickly advanced to the position of foreman. After about 15 years, he chose to start his own roofing company. Five years later, after establishing Fidelity Roofing and bringing it to the point of profitability, he discovered one day to his dismay that he could no longer climb a ladder. A visit with his doctor revealed that Michael had multiple sclerosis (MS). When his roofing career abruptly ended, he was just 37 years old; with a wife of 10 years and two young children, ages 5 and 8.
Michael has been fighting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for 20 years. MS is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system. He has participated in multiple drug trials and some of them worked
for a while — others did not. At this point, Michael has depleted all effective treatment options, except one.
In 2015, we read an article in the Seattle Times regarding a patient from Seattle who underwent a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle, WA. The results were nothing short of amazing (click this link) http://bit.ly/WAHSTC HSCT treatment uses an individual’s own stem cells to halt the progression of MS.
Michael’s insurance denied his treatment request even though he was accepted by Fred Hutchinson. Without insurance coverage, the center requested a cash payment of $434,000 in advance of any treatment with estimated total expenses exceeding $500,000. We began to search for a more affordable facility outside the US and after many stops and starts, Michael was “approved” in the Philippines in March. Unfortunately, on April 18 they told us they need to cancel our bed date until further notice.
We had also applied to Israel with Dr. Rowe, an option highly recommended by Michael’s neurologist in Seattle. Amazingly enough, Dr. Row accepted Mike on April 19th with a treatment date in May!
We are thrilled and excited at the prospect of halting the progression of Michael’s MS in its tracks! However, our family needs your help to raise $140,000, which will cover the cost of treatment in Israel and travel costs. Michael wants desperately to continue contributing to his family and society as well as aid other MS sufferers by spreading awareness about HSCT and sharing his personal journey.
To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in Michael’s honor has been established with Help Hope Live, 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 to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Northwest Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for illness-related expenses only. If you would like to make a contribution today, please click the DONATE NOW bar now.
From our hearts, thank you for reading our story. We appreciate everyone’s emotional and financial support; it means the world to us! If possible, we hope that you will please consider making a contribution to help HALT the progression of Michael’s MS.
Gratefully,
Holly Bacon Warren & Family
[email protected]
Hi Everyone!
We are officially now in the 8th month post aHSCT and Michael just received his 9 month immunizations. That means his blood work is where is should be and a little better. For now, Michael is resting and gaining a little bit of strength. He is able to move under his own direction without the aid of a wheel chair and uses a cane to help with balance and foot drop issues that are still evident. Recently, he was fitted for a "brace" for his right leg. This helps pull his right toe up when he walks and it seems to be helping him a lot. We are excited about his new walking "tool". We are very grateful for this opportunity and all of the help of our supporters financially and emotionally. Without everyone, we know that our path would be more difficult going forward and that this opportunity would not have been realized. Again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Love to all and hope your lives are going well for you and your loved ones. Hugs, Holly & Michael
It has been a long time since I have updated all of our supporters. I apologize for the wait and thank you for your patience, love and understanding.
We arrived home mid-July after a long journey from Jerusalem via Tel Aviv and Frankfurt. Michael had a rough plane ride in “coach” and I don’t recommend this section of the plane for anyone undergoing medical treatment. For the first two weeks Michael seemed to be getting stronger and doing more and more on his own. He drove, went to yoga, walked with little assistance short distances, etc. He was on top of the world and his eyes were still sparkling.
The first week of August brought unwanted change; it was rough. Michael’s ability to walk evaporated as his new found legs began to buckle under him just standing for a moment or trying to transfer from chair to bed. He was using a wheelchair full time. During this decline of his mobility, my sister Kathy passed away. We have been struggling with the loss of her in our lives and miss her deeply. For her services and so that Michael could attend the ceremony at the gravesite, we decided that we would buy a scooter. He also needed to get around on his own and gain some independence. Three weeks of not walking was enough to let us know that scooters were made for a reason.
With delight, I report the scooter session in Michael’s recovery for the most part is over (unless long distance is required). His legs have rebounded and he is able to walk short distances unassisted or with a cane. His bloodwork is remarkable according to the hematologist he is an amazing subject, second to none. This week, I feel like I can now say that we have made strides and reached a turning point. He actually walked up 16 stairs to our second story yesterday!
The healing process can take up to two years and we know now that speeding up the process doesn’t happen by doing too much. Michael needs to take it easy, keep up the PT/OT/yoga, rest when he is tired and stay positive. We are finally back on track and feeling good about his recovery.
Without the love and support of all of our family and friends, we would not be here. Our debt and gratitude to you is eternal. We wish you all a life full of love, happiness, good health and peace.
Love!
Holly & Michael
Believe in Intention
If you believe
It can be done
Live with intention
And rise with the sun
©Michael Warren May 2016
Thank you again everyone for caring, supporting and following our journey.
It has been a long and hard road. But, yesterday Michael was released from the hospital and his blood counts have risen to a point that he has been okayed for outpatient care for 2-3 more weeks in Jerusalem. So we will go to the hospital a time or two every week until we return home where he will see his neurologist and seek the attention of a new hematologist.
His eyes are sparkling and the horizon has never looked so bright. We are so very lucky and blessed to have gotten to this point and realize that he is one in a million (guessing) to receive this type of remedy for his MS and have an opportunity to stop it!
Again, thank you. Our hearts are singing and our family is excited for the promise and hope ahead.
Love to all!
The Warrens
We are day 12+! Michael is doing amazingly well. Thank you all for pulling us through this procedure. Without your love and support we'd be still trying to find a way! Love to all.
We are good! Chemo done, stem cells welcomed home, fighting effects of chemo and recovering. Thank you!
Please note this is the correct blog page. A little behind but I have been a little busy. We love ya!
https://ms-slayer-hsct.com/
Hi All!
We are in Israel ready to make this happen and I started a blog to help let everyone follow our journey. Please visit our page if you'd like. Thanks so much. Holly & Michael
https://ms-slayer-hsct.com/
We started a blog. Please let me know if the link does not work!
Thank you!
Holly
I fixed the link
https://ms-slayer-hsct.com/
Jerusalem - Here we are! We could not be here without the love and support from everyone, like you! Thanks!
Prof. Jacob Rowe, will be attending to Michael's HSCT and his care.
We are so happy to be here. Passed lung and heart tests. Stem cell hormone stimulation drugs administered daily (self injections). Soon - stem cell collection.
Love to all!
We have airline tickets! May 17, Holly's Birthday, is Michael's evaluation date and we will be meet Dr. Rowe! We have hope and thank everyone for their support. What an amazing bunch of friends and family we have. We wouldn't be going without your help! We love you!!
Hi!!!!
We are now getting ready for the Israel trip. We will get tickets this weekend and I reserved a hotel apartment for two weeks so we have a place to land when we arrive. That way, I can shop for some more affordable housing in person for the remainder of the trip and we will know that Dr. Rowe is comfortable treating Michael (we have a few tests to do in Israel). Thank everyone again for your support, sharing our page with your friends and family and sending love and prayers our way. We appreciate all of it. Have a great weekend! Holly & Mike
Hello Everyone! We have been on a roller coaster ride and the twists and turns have been many. In a nutshell, the Philippines option was placed on hold by the facility and a door opened for us in Israel just hours later (application was in process). We are thrilled to be going to Israel in early May. The cost is double; so we will need to raise more funds. We appreciate all the support and ask you to please spread our story and ask your friends and family and their friends and family to help us on this journey. With Lots and Lots of Love! Holly and Michael
OM!!! We can't say thank you loud enough! Because of everyone's generosity, we are able to book our airlines and hotel this weekend! Thank you all for support, donations and kindness from our full hearts. We are overwhelmed by the LOVE.
Hi Everyone!
Update; we received Mike's treatment schedule and have determined dates of travel. Getting closer. Thank you all for helping us make this dream come true! Love you!!!!
Thank you everyone for all of your love and support; we are very grateful and appreciative. And, thank you also for sharing our story with your friends that may not know us. You can also click the buttons on Share My Page if that makes it easier. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful group of family and friends. Hugs!
After a long wait and many ups and downs Michael and I are finally on our way and launching this campaign. We were hoping it would be easier to put up a post to ask for financial help, but it is very difficult emotionally. We have made it for 20 years fighting this ugly disease and the road has been hard. Unfortunately, we must ask for help in order to seek this treatment and keep hope alive! Fortunately, we found HelpHOPELive and all donations are tax-deductible and are held by HelpHOPELive in the Northwest Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for illness-related expenses only. Again, we thank everyone for every ounce of support given from their hearts and every dollar that is donated to our fundraiser. We are humble and appreciative of everybody that cares about our journey. With lots of love and gratitude-Here we go!
Holly and Michael Warren
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Mike and Holly,
We send our very best and are optimistic about your future!
Take care...
Lisa and Brian Gary
So many people are praying for Michael's treatment to be a success! Safe travels my friends.
Karen and Mike Coragiulo
Michael & Holly,
We routing for you in SoCal.
All of our best,
Randy & April Howard
Big HUGS & prayers Holly & Mike! <3
Happy travels & Happy Birthday Hol!!
Love you,
Greta
Not the best way to reconnect but so glad we did...I got a good feeling about Israel and the treatment...
Damon Jones
Michael I am sending you and your family hope, love, and healing. Thank you for providing the opportunity to send some support your way. Fingers crossed that this treatment helps.
Elizabeth
Sending positive thoughts and prayers!
Dave and Karen Yinging
So encouraged by the progress. Prayers and love sent your way always.
Julia
Wishing you the best, with thanks, for being a pioneer in the trailblazing field of stem cell research and treatment, so promising and so hopeful.
Ricki Harpster
Love you so much!
Ingrid
Two of our favorite people in the world! We support you to the moon and back!
Love Rita & Carl
You've both worked so hard to get here, to this very promising place, Mike & Holly, YAY for your perseverance...!
xxoo joan
Hope this makes your life better and paves the way for many others. All the best.
Elaine
Holly,
Thanks for the opportunity to help Michael on his journey to overcome MS.
Joyce Schmidt, a new friend from MLC
Mike and Holly, we are praying for you and this journey you are on. Prayers for renewed health and safe travels.
Mike and Karen
Michael and Holly, I admire your grit and determination in seeking this stem cell treatment.
Dennis Raymond
All the best to you as you go on this challenging and exciting journey.
Cathy L.
I admire your courage, determination and resourcefulness. Lots of folks in our MS community are pulling for you.
John D.
I hope all goes well on your journey (in both senses of the word). You're both incredibly determined and brave!
Dixie
Michael and Holly, "Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength" — Arnold Schwarzenegger
Sending all positive energy your way.
Cheryl Johanson
Mike and Holly
Sure do hope everything goes well, you deserve a full life. Two great people who would do anything for there friends, So lets say
our prayers and get on with it stay strong and safe.. Luv you guys!
Aunt Peggy
Safe Journey - Best of Luck - Safe Return
Kim Bacon
We wish you a fast and healthy journey. We love you both!✨
Karen and Tom
We love you guys so much and are praying and hoping for a successful outcome!
Heather and Steve
Mike and Holly - you go guys! We are all so hopeful. Sending prayers and big hugs
Love, Leslie and Rich
Hope
Ash, Sam, Caz and Dex
I think this is a wonderful thing you're doing here, Mike, Holly, and family! Keeping hope alive! Love, Sherri
Sherri Pepling Walker
here we go Mike and Holly. Finally! 20 years and now hope.
Pam Bacon
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Michael Warren
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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