July 13, 2017

One week from today (7/20) I will have the first half of the first infusion of the new MS drug Ocrevus. The second half will be administered two weeks later. From then on it will be infused every 6 months. They premedicate with 100 mg of steroids and 50-60 mg of an antihistamine. I'm thinking of this drug as the step just before my transplant. My fundraising is, in essence, dead and in need of a resurrection. I simply cannot do it.

As I am in pretty bad shape and Steve has used up almost all of his vacation days taking me to app'ts, I need help both days. I need help loading up at 7 am at my home, then unloading at about 8 am at the hospital. If things go well, I should be ready to go about 1:30 pm. I'm going on faith that I will be able to drive myself home. I need help loading up at the hospital then unloading at home. On the chance I am unable to drive myself home, I would need someone to drive me home in my car. If you could help with part of the process, let me know. Thank you.

June 13, 2017

House Bill (HB 810) on stem cell therapy has passed in the Texas state legislature and become law. Patients in Texas will now have access to this "Right to Try" innovative form of therapy for those suffering with debilitating and incurable illnesses.

Rita Alexander, Chief Administrative Officer at StemGenex Medical Group in La Jolla, CA, applauded Texas for this landmark legislation and Republican State Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, who strongly advocated for this bill. She noted that over the past three years, "Right to Try" advocates in 33 states have helped enact legislation to eliminate obstacles for terminally ill patients seeking treatments that may not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those advocates are showing considerable momentum in the remaining 17 states, potentially expediting clinical therapies for patients who have limited options.

"At StemGenex, we are committed to helping people achieve optimum health and better quality of life through the healing benefits of their own stem cells," said Alexander. "Specifically, we use adipose-derived adult stem cell therapy for patients battling conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, COPD, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. We are also committed to the science of stem cell therapy and sponsor five clinical outcome studies registered with the National Institute of Health (NIH) for these diseases."

June 12, 2017

I survived the semester! It got hard at times, thanks to 2 Prednisone tapers and the help of my angels it was a good one. Papers were filed and I will retire 12/31. I've completed my 30th year at DTCC - 20 with a MS diagnosis. I am looking forward to being an adjunct at either SCC or RU, whichever one will use me.

I am wrestling with whether or not to continue with my fundraising. My church refuses to help me. The church of a work friend of mine will not help. They both say that if we help one, we have to help "them all." (This is why the Oasis church in WY was such an encouragement to me!) My college will not allow me to do anything (e. g. use the intranet, fundraise). I cannot do it alone. Franchisers/chains will not even allow my poster to be put up (e.g. Pizza Hut, Dunkin' Donuts) let alone have a fujndraiser. The Cowtown fundraiser died in the planning even though it's a wonderful idea. So...I sit in my chair, move what little I an move and look for what few things I can do while alone as I look at all the things that need to be done around my house, things I could do years ago when I was in much better shape.

May 24, 2017

Stem cell therapy is one step closer to becoming law in Texas, the latest state to push for passage of a patients' "Right to Try" legislation. House Bill (HB) 810 is one of three proactive stem cell bills being considered in the Texas Legislature that would make it easier for those suffering with incurable illnesses to have access to stem cell treatments. The bill, which passed the Texas House unanimously, now heads over to the Senate.

Rita Alexander, Chief Administrative Officer at StemGenex Medical Group in La Jolla, CA, applauded Texas for its pending legislation and Republican State Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, who strongly advocated for this bill. She noted that over the past three years, "Right to Try" advocates in 33 states have helped enact legislation to eliminate obstacles for terminally ill patients seeking treatments that may not be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those advocates are showing considerable momentum in the remaining 17 states, potentially expediting clinical therapies for patients who have limited options.

"At StemGenex, we are committed to helping people achieve optimum health and better quality of life through the healing benefits of their own stem cells," said Alexander. "Specifically, we use adipose-derived adult stem cell therapy for patients battling conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, COPD, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. We are also committed to the science of stem cell therapy and sponsor five clinical outcome studies registered with the National Institute of Health (NIH) for these diseases."

"What I personally witnessed before the start of StemGenex were patients who had exhausted conventional medical treatments but wanted to try alternative therapies. I was one of them, suffering from severe Rheumatoid Arthritis. I had only three options; I could seek a clinical trial, travel to outside of the U.S. to try alternative therapies such as stem cell treatment or petition the FDA for access to drugs under the agency's "expanded access," or "compassionate use" program. Now, new state laws, built on model legislation from the Goldwater Institute in Arizona, will potentially allow doctors and patients to make their own informed decisions on treatments that have cleared the safety phase of FDA testing."

Last year, in a move that was seen by some as a response to Right to Try laws, the 21st Century Cures Act, a landmark piece of legislation focused on medical innovation and medical research, was signed into law by President Obama. This Act provides the FDA with the flexibility to accelerate how it evaluates regenerative medicine treatments, such as stem cell therapies, while maintaining its high standards of safety and efficacy.

"We're on the cusp of a major change on how patients can access stem cell therapy," said Alexander. "Today, new treatments and advances in research are giving new hope to people affected by a wide range of autoimmune and degenerative illnesses," said Alexander. "StemGenex Medical Group is proud to offer the highest quality of care and to potentially help those with unmet clinical needs improve their quality of life."

About StemGenex Medical Group

StemGenex Medical Group is committed to helping people achieve optimum health and better quality of life through the healing benefits of their own stem cells. StemGenex provides stem cell therapy options for individuals suffering with inflammatory and degenerative illnesses. Committed to the science and innovation of stem cell treatment, StemGenex sponsors five clinical studies registered with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD and Lung Disease) and Osteoarthritis. These clinical studies have been established to formally document and evaluate the quality of life changes in individuals following adipose-derived stem cell therapy.

To find out if you are a candidate for stem cell treatment, Call (855) 742-7836 to speak with a Patient Advocate or Visit www.stemgenex.com.

Rita Alexander

Chief Administrative Officer

StemGenex Medical Group

Stem Cell Centers of Excellence®

April 18, 2017

I barely made it to Spring Break. The week before was not good, the last two weeks of the semester will be much better now that I will be rested. After the semester there are 5 weeks to my school year. This summer is the first one in 15 years that I have not worked the summer semester. Hopefully I will be able to get a fundraiser together. Just over 20% raised as of now.

March 11, 2017

This past week was MS Awareness week, it's why the timing of my news is so encouraging. In my last update I had shared how my "third daughter" was sharing my story with her church in Wyoming. Tues I received the results. This dear congregation of 20 people raised $700 for my transplant fund!!! (They want to have a car wash fundraiser for me whenever the weather breaks.)

I cannot begin to convey how encouraging this was - I'm still tearing up as I type this. My own church will not help me. My college where I have taught for 30 years will not allow me to publicize my fundraising. Another friend's church told her they also could do nothing to help me as they also said they'd "have to do the same for others." Thankfully there are two churches that I know of who gladly posted my flyer. Maybe things will now begin to turn around for me. I am still fighting to keep what little function I still have, but lately I've even lost my ability to stand up from my lift chair without help. My hope is it will soon return.My hope is it will soon return. Joie's help is encouraging, confirming to me that I am to keep fighting.

February 15, 2017

This upcoming Sunday my "daughter's" (she had lived with me for a time in Glassboro, we've kept in touch) church is having "Teri's Sunday" as she calls it. Joie is telling my story, reading a letter she had written to someone giving testimony of how I had affected her life, sharing some of my updates, passing out my flyer and they are taking up a special offering for me. I can't begin to describe how much this is encouraging me. I'm so close to giving up the fight due to my efforts going no where. God's timing is always perfect. I can feel the love from Wyoming!!

February 4, 2017

Fundraising has been stagnant, would appreciate some ideas going forward. Today my inbox had some encouraging stories from HelpHOPELive.org. They helped to remind me it takes time.

So far the semester seems to be going well. Have had a few hick-ups and snags along the way. My schedule will change Monday with the addition of a 12-week course as well as the 4-week course that ended Friday means another 12-week one starting Tuesday.

God seems to be leading me towards a decision. I want to teach next year, with that year being my last one before retirement. However, it all depends upon my transplant. The way things seem to be unfolding this semester, I may need to retire this summer instead. I know enough to wait to see what more is revealed to me. I need to be a good steward of what God has given me. Keep praying for God's provision and that some fundraisers will fall in to place.

December 22, 2016

In a few weeks, there will be an announcement about a fundraising table at Cowtown on Sat mornings. Steve and a friend of ours is working on something with my HelpHOPELive Fundraising Coordinator.

December 22, 2016

A friend tagged me on a video (YouTube?) about non-embryonic stem cell transplants. I posted it to my Fb timeline. It is public, so you are welcome to see it even if we are not "Facebook friends."

The info I copied from under the video is: Alex Klokus, December 20 at 5:13pm · Canadian doctors just reversed severe MS using stem cells

November 25, 2016

Here are a few of the out-of-pocket medical costs I'm facing when I go to have my transplant, things you will help with on #GivingTuesday this year (next Tuesday)

- the procedure, 2 nights at the hotel and car service for the entire time in CA is $14,900

- as I will be flying cross country, I will need at least a 3rd night at the hotel as I will need an entire day for the flight as well as recovery time. I may need a 4th night depending on how things go.

- I will need to rent a scooter for my time in La Jolla

- meals while out there

- as I am in such bad shape, to fly across the country I will need to travel business class if not first class. It is a long flight, I need room to move every 2 hours as well as restroom facilities that are close to my seat. The flight will be Philly to San Diego.

Your tax-deductible donation to HelpHOPELive means so much to me and my family. Thank you for giving! #TealDeal #GivingTuesday #HelpHOPELive

November 15, 2016

: #GivingTuesday is a worldwide movement to make a difference through charitable

donations, volunteering and sharing important causes. I would be grateful if you would give to

HelpHOPELive in my honor and help me spread the word! Join the movement! #TealDeal

November 2, 2016

Living with MS means fighting discouragement, even depression, something I've been doing for a few weeks. Then God does something amazing to lift me up! My Tysabri infusion is given in a doctor's office one block from the college where I teach. After it was done we put up a flyer at a few places across the street from campus.

The Tex-Mex restaurant could not post the flyer, but instead they make donations to causes like mine. My flyer would be given to the manager. We told them that my department goes to lunch there at times, we've eaten there, many from campus go there for lunch. I'm eager to see what they do for me. (When they do, I'll tell you their name so you can eat there!)

The Fuddruckers on the other side of campus wants to do a fund raiser for me. The company encourages them and the manager gave his card for us to contact him. Now I need to find someone to help me with this.

October 15, 2016

Yesterday was my 3 month neuro check. Things are somewhat stable, though not as good as they were last year. It was encouraging to have him tell me that a close family member has MS and she did this. She is using the word "cure," though that may not be the correct one. She is off all her meds and is doing very well, getting almost everything back.

I was also encouraged that when I showed him my flyer for him to put in my file, he told me to put it up front - maybe someone coming in would contribute.

I was pleasantly surprised as I had no intention of asking him to post it.

After my new printer has the kinks worked out, I'll be able to print out the covers for coin banks. Hopefully some thing will come of them. After the article in the Times generated about $1300, fundraising has virtually stopped. I am again dealing with disappointment. Waiting to see what God does about this. The evidence for this procedure is piling up. I am so very tired and frustrated about it.

October 4, 2016

I'm sorry this is long, but it will help you to see why I m excited about this therapy. Two of the 3 patients live with MS. I live with many of the symptoms they live with. I deleted links given in the article. This is where I'll be going for my transplant whenever we reach the goal. news@stemgenex.com

Stem Cell Patients Passionately Champion Life-Changing Treatments at FDA Hearing

Nearly 100 individuals traveled from all over the United States to Washington, D.C. to speak face-to-face with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) about the future regulation of stem cell treatment at the FDA Public Hearing on draft guidances regulating cells and tissues.

The packed public hearing, which according to the FDA's website was "sold out" in less than one week of opening registration, was held for two full days on September 12 and 13 of this year at the National Institutes of Health. In addition to the public hearing, thousands of individuals posted their comments about stem cell therapies on the FDA online docket. Comments can be read here: "Public Hearing; Request for Comments; Correction OPEN".

Several stem cell patients treated at StemGenex Medical Group shared their extraordinary testimonials with the FDA about how stem cell treatment has dramatically improved their quality of life and emphasized the urgent medical need to allow patients suffering with incurable illnesses, who have little or no other available treatment options, to have continued access to the amazing regenerative properties of their own stem cells.

Kristen, a 51-year-old mother of two suffering with Multiple Sclerosis got to the point where she became unable to take care of her children. Within weeks after stem cell treatment, Kristen was able to take her kids to school, help with homework and be a "normal" mom again. Kristen noted, "There are no drugs on the market to slow or cure MS," and pleaded, "Please give me the power and capability to use my own stem cells to regenerate and help my body heal."

Carl, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1997 was unable to sit in a chair, bathe or feed himself due to the uncontrollable tremors and numbness in his hands and feet. After stem cell treatment, Carl could stand up, sit up for extended periods of time and independently bathe and feed himself. "I was able to tie my shoes for the first time in years. We're in the beginning stages of stem cells being used on a regular basis. Please do not regulate my own stem cells as a drug," urged Carl.

Tim, diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2013 had stem cell treatment at StemGenex Medical Group. "Stem cell treatment has given me a lot more energy, my focus has been much more clear and I'm back to being social again. How sad is it that the best drug for Parkinson's on the market was approved in 1967? Let that sink in... We have been treating this disease with the same medicine for 50 years. I am asking the FDA to not overregulate the usage of stem cells and allow my chosen medical professional to have the ability to treat me as they, and I see fit," said Tim.

"Stem cells have arrived and have captivated the scientific and medical communities. With this excitement comes responsibility and with this responsibility comes regulation," said the Chief Scientific Officer of StemGenex, Steven A. Brody, M.D., Ph.D.,in his presentation to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the Public Hearing. Given the sizeable amount of information submitted to the FDA that will need to be carefully reviewed and considered, the time frame for finalization of a regulatory pathway for safe and effective stem cell therapies is unknown. Amending the draft guidances, however, to allow for continued access to stem cell therapies would be a positive step towards providing medical professionals and patients a viable option where there is otherwise little hope for meeting clinical needs.

In the meantime, "StemGenex will continue to advocate for stem cell treatment and access to the healing benefits of their own cells," said Chief Administrative Officer Rita Alexander. "We believe that stem cells are key to advancing the future of medicine."

If you or someone you know is interested stem cell treatment, visit www.StemGenex.com, or call (855) 742-STEM to speak with a Patient Advocate.

September 19, 2016

www.nj.com

If you go to my Facebook page you can read the article!

Here is the link if you were unable to access "my column" Friday. I occurred to me over the weekend that I also need to mention some of the other things I hope to get back from having a stem-cell transplant.

I hope to be able to get myself in and out of bed,.

I hope to be able to walk more, even if I still need aids.

I hope to be able to completely dress myself.

I hope to be able to put on my shoes myself.

I hope to be able to go on errands by myself.

I hope to be able to continue working as an adjunct.

I hope to be able to travel.

I hope to get back more of my independence!

September 16, 2016

Yesterday I was ready to give up, my discouragement was the highest it had ever been. I read the paper as I eat breakfast. When I turned to p. 2 and saw the headline on the column on that page with my name as the first two words of the column I lost it. It took 30 min before I could read again. God so used him today!

Go to NJ.com and search for Bob Shryock. He has been writing for decades, his column is fairly popular. The paper is now called The South Jersey Times, covering Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties. In print, his column is on p. 2. As I read his column I could tell that he went to my page and read my updates as there are some things from them he included in the story.

September 6, 2016

Yesterday was my birthday. When I was diagnosed in March '97 (at 39), I was told that if I was to be diagnosed, that was the best age to be diagnosed. Whether it was true or if he was simply trying to make me feel better I do not know. What I do know is the years have flown by. As I approach my 20th anniversary I am still fighting to keep moving. No matter how many tears I shed, no matter how much pain I live with, I will continue to struggle to not give up. it is my hope that the funds will come in to make it possible for me to have this transplant. With God all things are possible!

August 30, 2016

I am having a hard time "Being still and knowing he is God." I am so discouraged, The fund raising is not going well. I feel abandoned even though I know I am not. If you are a family member, pls tell other family members about this. If you are a DTCC person, pls find a way to let others on campus know. If you have yet to let your church know, pls find a way to get the word to the congregation. I can do little on my own. I have ideas for fundraisers, but cannot do them because it is too much for me.

We made 3 contacts to the 3 area papers (Times, Courier and the DE paper), to no avail. I know things could change overnight. I know God is in control. Part of this angst is I have a new symptom affecting my sleep - my legs feel like they are on fire, The pain can wake me, Aleve and Advil rarely help. (This is in addition to the nocturia.) I have it during the day, too, but it is not constant.

August 22, 2016

I wrote this update 08/15 (one week ago). For some reason it didn't save. Knowing me, as I rushed to also post it on Fb I forgot to click save along the way.

As I write this, I am to be at our WIlmington campus for in-service. Today I was not able to join my colleagues on our first day back for the new school year. The heat wave in conjunction with my inability to regain much of the function I lost over the last year has necessitated I go on temporary disability. I feel lost and lonely not being with my colleagues and friends. I so much want to be in the classroom when classes start next week This is the first time I have ever missed a fall semester. I must keep my focus on The Lord, trusting him to provide the money for my transplant. The stem-cell therapy will give me back so much. I will then be able to return to campus for the spring semester as scheduled

August 22, 2016

Today is the first day of classes - I miss it! To me there is an energy that permeates the first few weeks of the semester. Things are crazy, chaotic, tiring ...and I love it. It is a new beginning. I'm always interested to see whom God brings to me to teach, help, guide, etc. Yes, I am very happy when things calm down and we're finally in our routine by the end of week 3. I'm thankful for the break this semester, but I'm looking forward to returning in Jan with the possibility of no more scooter.

August 3, 2016

The summer semester is over, grades are in and I am done for the year. My FMLA leave is approved by the college - waiting for The Hartford to approve my disability claim. This would be a huge burden off me. Now the focus is on fundraising. My hope is enough money will be raised so as to make it possible for me to go to La Jolla in late September. I would then spend the rest of the fall semester doing PT to get back as much of my mobility skills as possible.

July 19, 2016

Question #3 - If you are still working, why do you need to raise funds? I teach, one does not go into teaching to get rich. Not only is stem-cell transplant therapy beyond my means, my insurance covers nothing involved with it. There are those who know what I've had to do to keep going everyday, to keep working in a career I love. It's not just the teaching, but my everyday dependence on others is getting more and more difficult for all concerned. Getting back some, most, of my independence would make life so much easier for me and so many others.

July 5, 2016

Question #2 - What will happen to your MS because of this therapy? We don't know. Just as the disease is customized to someone diagnosed with it, the results of the transplant will be as well. I will see anything along the continuum from merely depending less on the scooter to needing a cane as I did in the first few years of my diagnosis.

What are my hopes? To be able to walk further, stand longer, less tired, less dependent upon others, to get back behind a mic, use stairs, get into the homes of others. There are more things, but I think you get the idea.

June 29, 2016

Some have been asking me questions about the why, what, how and other questions about my stem cell transplant. I will use my next few updates to answer these questions. Question #1: How did I find out about it?

The first few years after my diagnosis was spent finding out about this disease with which I was just diagnosed. After a few years of learning about MS and how it was affecting my body, I was ready to learn more. I had plugged into the NMSS, I was receiving their magazine as well as the newsletter for the DE Valley regional affiliate, the one that covers where I live. These thing became a wealth of info and comfort for me. The "new" field of research on stem-cell therapy intrigued me as I knew stem-cell therapy was being used for other diseases (e.g. bone marrow transplants for cancer). My BA is in Applied Math. This means I took a lot of science in addition to the math. Following developments in this line of research kept drawing me - until I knew it was a route I was to take.

June 16, 2016

For those without access to my Facebook post, here it is:

My MS has deteriorated significantly over the past few years, far more than during the previous 15 years since my diagnosis in March 1997. I have been freed to do non-embryonic stem cell transplant therapy this fall. To help raise the money, I have been led to HelpHOPELive,org, This is a fundraising organization to raise money for non-covered medical expenses. Please go to this site, read my letter and prayerfully consider making a tax-deductible gift (Teri Figarola). I also ask that you spread this message far and wide, using the power of the internet to spread the word. Please announce this to your church, perhaps your job, any where. In addition, as I am unable to do much on my own, ask The Father to call someone to come alongside to do some additional fundraising. HelpHOPELive provides help & guidance. Thank you! I know The Father will will bless you.

June 15, 2016

We're not supposed to have 90 degree heat in May in South Jersey! I paid the price. Last Thursday I went from my office to the hospital for what I hope will be my last round of Solumedrol 1000 mg IV therapy. It is an amazing drug, but as they say, "one must survive the cure." I went home from the hospital with the usual Prednisone taper, starting at 60 mg.

These are amazing drugs. I am grateful for them, but they do a number on the body and mind. After a few days of rest I will begin PT with the hope of regaining some of the function I've lost over the past year. Of course this is all being done while needing to endure the relentless, unbearable at times, summer heat.

So, my summer of fundraising has begun with what has become my usual summer start. Fundraising has officially begun, with the expectation that God will raise up someone who is able to take over for me. I have no doubt I have been led this way, that my promised healing will come in a way that will benefit others. Hey, we math & science geeks must help out each other ;) !

May 17, 2016

I am beginning my journey towards improvement of my MS symptoms. As of today: I am unable to get myself in and out of bed, I am unable to put on my own shoes, I need help dressing in the morning, noctoria continues to be a huge problem, I have been using hand controls for 4 years, and it takes everything I have to continue teaching from my scooter. Next year will be my last year, with the very real chance that I will go on temporary disability for the fall semester.

I love my job (math professor), am still very good at it, but the reality is that teaching full-time is too much for me. The technology that came out about ten years ago extended my career, but it can only do so much. My life is teaching, corporate worship on Sunday mornings and home. I am tired. From time to time I have pain. I long to be able to walk more than 25 feet with my rollator or walker. I miss my music ministry. I miss doing things and going places with family and friends. I miss going into other people's houses. There is more, but this is long enough for my first post! I am looking forward to being better - God has led me this far, I have no doubt He'll bless this endeavor!