About nine years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and thought my life was over. From the beginning, I felt lost and alone, depressed and upset, but years passed and I learned how to adapt to a new type of life living with constant and excruciating pain. I had difficulty walking and sleeping – I could barely hold a pencil to write. So while the pain was persistent, thinking about the many people who relied upon me helped me endure.

In recent times I lost my health insurance and had no coverage for my medications. The pain grew worse – some days I couldn’t even cover myself with a blanket, let alone get dressed or help my children do the same. But in February 2016, I was able to reinstate my health insurance and resumed my medication. But even with the medication, my hands and wrists swelled and my fingers were stiff, and I became easily fatigued. This loss of function has led to concern about performing the functions required to keep my new job.

Some time ago, my husband made me aware of the StemGenex Medical Group and their treatment of RA with stem cell therapy. After receiving more information on the program, I submitted an application to be part of the study (I was told that only 70 applicants would be selected from a pool of 800). Within three days I was informed that I had been selected for the program! I wanted to jump, scream and cry. Unfortunately, I couldn’t cry because RA has led to a syndrome called Sjongren’s, which has left me with no tears.