Lucio “Lou” Turco is a 56 year-old man who is suffering from a medical condition known as transverse myelitis. Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, pain, neuropathy, and fatigue. Lou is also facing degenerative disc disease in his lower back, and cervical myopathy of his neck. Lou’s condition has affected his strength and ability to walk safely, as he often falls and is unable get up on his own. Lou cannot stand for any length of time and requires a wheelchair for mobility when long distances are involved. Lesions on his spine cause leg muscles to go into deep spasms, causing lack of sensation from the chest down to Lou’s toes. He suffers from weakness of the arms, little hand dexterity and an overactive bladder. As you can see, Lou is suffering a great deal and he needs help.
Lou has learned of a promising treatment known as non-embryonic stem cell therapy as his last hope to stop the progression and possibly reverse some of the damage caused by his transverse myelitis. The recent progress and research in the field of stem cell therapy has given Lou new hope for a better and brighter future. If this treatment can halt the progression and even reverse some of the fatigue he lives with daily, help with his walking and the bladder issues, it is worth the effort to try this. Sadly, health insurance does not pay for stem cell therapy and it will cost Lou upwards of $20,000 including travel and lodging fees.
Lou worked as a food service Director for many years which was his job of passion. The transverse myelitis ended up forcing him to leave the career he so loved. His other passions were golf, basketball, softball and a bowling leagues. Lou even coached boy’s basketball and baseball, and volunteered on various fundraisers in his local community. In August 2014, after having anemia resulting in 3 blood transfusions, doctors found Lou had colon cancer and immediately removed one third of his ascending large colon. While he is in remission from the colon cancer, Lou has been through a great deal and deserves a chance at a better life. Stem cell therapy could be his answer to a better life!
Lou is looking forward to the stem cell therapy, however the cost of this procedure, including travel, lodging and meal fees is upwards of $20,000. While he is out of work, he cannot afford this treatment on his own and is asking for your financial support. To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in Lou’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 of the law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Northeast Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts, prayers and financial support. Any amount, no matter how big or how small, is one step closer to a brighter future and a chance at a better life for Lou.
Gratefully,
Lou’s loving family, Community and wife
