Fr. Doug Yarbrough was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008. Although judging from his MRI scans he probably had it for many years prior to his diagnosis. Since the diagnosis he has experienced continuous progression of the disease resulting in more and more disability.
Today he is dependent on an electric wheelchair to get around outside of his home. At home he uses a walker to walk short distances. His eyes loose focus easily and he cannot read. This is difficult for someone who has always been a voracious reader and life long learner. He experiences extreme fatigue. Most days it is all he can do to just take care of his own personal needs. We are grateful he can do that and fear the day that he will loose these skills. But with the progression of this disease that day may not be far off.
Updates (8)
July 19, 2017
It occured to me that I had not updated this website in such a long time. Returning from Mexico Doug got very sick. We don't know why. He developed an acute respitory disorder and was intubated (put on a ventilator) for 10 days. When they took him off he was paralyzed. He is only now able to walk short distances with his walker around the house. He is not back to where he was before HSCT. Right after HSCT in Mexico he was doing so much better. The good news is that today we learned that Doug will be able to get the follow-up chemotherapy here in our hometown. This is something we have been praying for. It will be so much easier and cheaper. And now we can begin to write the final chapter to this story. Our prayer now is that the MS in in remission and that Doug will get more skills back.
Today along with getting the good news about the medications, I also received the bills from all the hospitals since Doug got sick in December. It is time to pay for another portion of the journey that we are on.
We are so thankful for everyone who has supported Doug and I along the way. It has been a long journey, but if the progression is stopped it will have been worth every moment of difficulty along the way. The journey continues. Stay tuned
November 10, 2016
After just arriving in Mexico I received an email from our friend Cindy Wolfenbarger from Holy Nativity, in Meridian Idaho. During a recent church bazaar the members held a raffle and a silent auction to help raise money for Doug's HSCT Stem Cell transplant. They raised $834!!! Thank you members of Holy Nativity for your help and support. We love you!
With the donations to Help Hope Live and donations to Doug personally, we have raised about $32,000 to date. We are so appreciative and thank all who have helped! The total cost of the treatment will be about $70,000. We are almost half-way there. Thank you to all who are contributing to Doug's healing.
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
December 22, 2022
Good grief, I thought you had died. After 5 days of sitting with you at night in the hospital in 1920, I came in and you were gone. ( asked the nurse abut your condition but she didn\'t know. I tried to call you wife but didn\'t get an answer but during this time I was sick do and couldn\'t put things together real well. Thought I would hear but nothing and I left town for Seattle and my kids. Two weeks ago I was with Hendershots and told them while talking about you that I thought you had died in the hospital just before I left inn 2020. Wendell pulled up a picture of you at some 70th birthday celebration. Am I left to believe after 2 plus years YOU AREN\'T????? LET ME KNOW AT 206-637-9199.
Bruce Swanson
November 11, 2016
Isn't it wonderful that electronic media can be used for such a compassionate purpose. God bless you and provide you the strength to endure the treatment and return to good health! We look forward to the progress reports.
Vicki Rudd
October 9, 2016
Doug - many many prayers have been going and continue to be raised up for you and your family. You are truly a gift in my life. My sons, Amani and Gabe, will never forget the gift of our time together. My life is better because of you.
Caleb
