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I’m terrible at asking for help. But the truth is, I really need your help. There is a chance for me to conquer the disease that has wrecked havoc with my life, but I can’t do it alone.
Some of you may not know that I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurological condition, in 2006. For close to a decade I was lucky enough to be able to control my symptoms with diet changes, supplements, and natural therapies. In April of last year, I took my neurologist’s suggestion to start one of the immune-modulating drugs approved for MS. I had a severe reaction to the medication and was incredibly ill for several weeks. Following this episode, my MS became hyper-aggressive. I now need to use a cane to walk more than 20 feet and need a wheelchair to travel more than 100 feet. Unfortunately, the arsenal of medications currently available to neurologists are not effective for my particular form of MS. As the disease progresses, I could become permanently confined to a wheelchair or bedridden.
For my own sake and that of my family, I am fighting with everything I have to avoid that. There is hope in the form of a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT). The treatment consists of several chemotherapy infusions to dismantle my faulty immune system followed by a stem-cell “reboot” using my own stem cells. This new therapy is currently in clinical trials in the United States and is the only treatment that can not only halt the progression of the disease, but possibly reverse some of the disability. I was rejected from the clinical trials due to the very limited number and type of patients they accept. This leaves me with the sole option of traveling to a facility that performs HSCT treatments and paying for the treatment myself.
The wait times for the international HSCT clinics can be years, so I signed up knowing that the longer I wait, the more function I lose. However, I have chosen to put myself on the cancellation list as well, which means I have to be ready to leave for the 5-week treatment at a moment’s notice. This is an incredible blessing since it means I could potentially halt my MS within a month instead of years. However, it is also daunting because it means I need to logistically and financially prepare to go to the clinic location in Puebla, Mexico (or Russia, Israel, or Singapore) and spend a month there receiving treatment without much advance warning.
Never in my life have I felt like I needed support so much. I need the thoughts and good wishes of as many people as possible as I go forth into this best-chance treatment. I need to find people to help care for my beautiful children while their mother is off trying to become well again. I need people to help care for me as I go through this treatment. And….I need money. Before I can receive treatment I need to raise up to $120,000 (depending on the clinic). I’m doing what I can on my end, maxing out credit and eating up savings. If there is anything you can contribute to help me make this opportunity possible, I would be forever grateful. Thank you for being a part of my community, and thank you for your help in whatever form it comes.
Please consider making a donation to Help Hope Live to help cover my treatment expenses. And please consider sharing my appeal with your own network.
I have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you so much for your support!
Making a donation to honor the memory of Mary Louise Johnston. Wishing you and your family success in your fight against this disease.
The Mock Family
We are donating in memory of Mary Louise Johnston, mother of John Cregan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Cregan Family, Arlington, VA
We made a donation in honor of Mary Louise Johnson. Wishing you strength and success!
the Lindsay family
Making a donation in honor of Mary Louise Johnston, John Cregan's mother. I also remember you fondly from Taylor Elementary and wishing you strength and support as you conquer this disease!
Laura Hollis
Dear Illana, please keep up the good fight, and stay positive. We hope and pray that you will overcome this. Love from Indira and Omar
Indira and Omar
Ilana, thinking of you and your family as you begin your journey soon to Mexico. Wishing you all success and blessings throughout. we have made a donation to the cause in memory on my friend Tina. Now, go beat it girl!
Tsu San
My entire family and I wish you much success on this journey. Let me know if you still need help with your children.
Julia Muñoz
We've been following your postings on your journey to secure the means and treatment you need. We've been tardy in helping you achieve your goal....only because Jesse in on 'his journey' with returning for chemo treatments. You know our thoughts and prayers are with you as you embark on this trip to Mexico for treatment. Please let Chase know I can have the girls over for a weekend and they can have pool time. Hugs to all....
Lucy
Ilana, you can do it...we are all thinking of you and praying for you to beat MS! Everyone who came to my Open Studios wish you the very best. Thanks to many who bought my paintings, prints and cards that I have been able to donate all my open studios sales of £1570.50 (@ exchange rate of 1.425 = US$2238) to your fight against MS. Take good care. Lots of love from all the family
Su'en & David Miller
I will continue to send all of my love, good thoughts and support to you and your family! You are an amazing person and if anyone can make it through this, my money is on you. If you need anything, let me know.
Jaye Reyes (Golumbic)
Ilana, I am sure that your amazing will and positive attitude plus these treatments are going to be successful! We are behind you all the way!! Sending you lots of love and prayers for a refuah schlamah.
Phyllis Sandler
Please continue your search for relief knowing good thoughts are being sent your direction. Best of luck.
Cousin Babs
You are such a wonderful person, mother and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Good luck sweetheart!
Elaine Pilecki
You got this, girl! Sending you all the love.
Meg Rebull
I wish I could give more. I am praying for you and your beautiful family.
Angela Burton
I hope you are able to raise the funds and beat this disease. My aunt, cousin and several friends have MS and I know how challenging it can be. Wish you and you family the best.
Haley Stone Lottig
Hope you get that call soon! Keep fighting and you and your family are in our prayers!
Robin Worley Voight
So sorry to hear about the trials and struggle you and your family are facing. .Gary and I send our love and prayers for you all.
Gary & Shawn Phelps
Keep fighting. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Nathalie Johnson-Noon
You are so strong! Thinking of you!!
Yasmine
Ilana - I'm the Knights' cousin and I met you at Susie's wedding. Sending you some support and prayers. Stay strong!!!
Kirby Lunger
Ilana - I am praying for you and for your family. I know asking for help is hard and I know you have a lot of friends in the area, but we are here in NOVA and truly - we would love to help if we can - with meals, your children, going to the grocery store. I will ask Susie to send you my contact info. Praying for you.
Mary Knight
Praying for you. I also have autoimmune diseases, lupus and psoriatic arthritis. I am friends with Shoshana. I am thankful that I can help financially a little bit. I believe that with God all things are possible.
Lisa Kuras
Keeping you and your family close in thoughts and prayers.
Kim Sharifi
I'm Jill Cooper's cousin and I also have MS. Feel free to "friend" me on Facebook if you want to talk. Meanwhile, stay strong, but don't be afraid to ask for and accept help. Sending Light and Healing Energy!
Carrole Portantiere
You and your family are in my prayers, Ilana.
Miles Moore
You look so strong. Your cousin in Malaysia is spreading the word. Look forward to your speedy recovery.
Dean
Good luck! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you.
Anne Dailey
Joe and I will be praying for you, Ilana.
Susan Baker
Praying that God has you in His hands and provides the care you need.
Anna Marie Wight
Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Thinking of you.
Shruti
May that phone call come for you sooner then later.
Holly
Best of luck, Ilana, and best wishes.
Witting brothers
Sending much love and strength your way. We love you very much.
Jill and Molly
Sending positive energy your way my friend!!
Katie Stamwitz
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Ilana Goldberg
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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