William Smith is only 49 years-old and he desperately needs your help. William has always been physically active and has taken great pride in being a positive role model for future leaders. He’s volunteered his time as a high school football and basketball referee in Chesterfield, Virginia for over 18 years. Unfortunately, in February of 2014, William was diagnosed with a severe and progressive form of osteoarthritis in both of his hips. This unexpected and painful diagnosis was very unsettling, and has totally changed William’s life for the worse.
William has been self-employed as a barber at the Unites States Army Base in Fort Lee, Virginia. Since his diagnosis, he had a total of five cortisone shots to reduce his constant pain. Recently, the effectiveness of these shots has waned and no longer alleviates the pain. This challenge has made it extremely difficult to effectively perform his job as a barber, as it requires William to stand for long periods of time. With determination he continues to work through this pain, but with many restrictions due to his total dependence on the use of a cane. William faces total loss of muscle tone on his left hip, which is moving throughout his left leg. This has made simple tasks like taking a stroll around the block, bending to tie his shoes, or attending any event that requires a lot of walking and sitting for extended periods of time, extremely cumbersome. Any daily exercise regimen has been altered tremendously and unfortunately excludes cardiovascular exercises for William. Without effective and proper treatment, William’s condition will continue to decline and he will eventually run out of options and no longer be able to walk!
A double hip replacement surgery would possibly help William with his osteoarthritis. While this procedure is a viable option it presents many concerns, as surgery and the recovery period would require William to miss at least 90 days of work. Self-employed and relying fully on his working income, surgery to both hips is less than ideal and would pose a huge financial burden to William’s family. As a result, William has researched many alternative options to a double hip replacement that would still be effective yet not a detriment to his family. William discovered stem cell therapy using his own stem cells as a safe and viable option. Through much research, William sought out, applied for and was approved for the stem cell replacement therapy through StemGeneX in La Jolla, California. William received his acceptance letter and is excited to being this promising therapy and journey towards better health.
Unfortunately, even with his current and dedicated financial resources, William is unable to finance the entire stem cell treatment and recovery process. Treatment costs, travel, lodging and meal fees could cost upwards of $20,000. William is looking forward to a less painful life, and one in which he can do what he loves most – work as a barber and support his family. But William needs your help! To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in William’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 South-Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Your contribution is greatly appreciated. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button.
Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts and prayers and generous contribution.
Sincerely,
William Smith
