Nadia Vicente-Saefong, the single mother of a 15-year-old son, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) not long after his birth. Doctors prescribed a variety of medications and, in a few short months, Nadia was taking 14 pills and a shot every day. She was 26 years old at the time. During these last 14 years, she had found herself dangerously close to being wheelchair bound, but as a fighter, she is determined not to have that happen. The realty is Nadia suffering severe symptoms such as frightening falls, one of which resulted in a trip to the ER to reattach her right ear.
Oddly enough this challenging journey started with a benign visit to the dermatologist to have a look at a suspicious looking mole on Nadia’s back. She was told it had to be removed and removed immediately. Out of fear, she agreed to the procedure however the local anesthesia administered to the area, also numbed her hands. She was assured that the feeling would all come back soon however, fifteen years later, her hands are still completely numb. It was suspected that the problem was neurological but, after a battery of tests, Nadia learned her fate after a week fraught with panic. MS! All she could think about was how this diagnosis would impact her young son’s life.
Family and friends helped Nadia through the initial shock of such an emotionally destructive time in her life. Her balance declined, she experienced double vision accompanied by severe heat exhaustion. A move to the Pacific Northwest, helped alleviate symptoms but after being prescribed a number of different medications once again her doctor found himself running out of options.
Extensive research brought to light a new treatment called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Therapy (HSCT), the harvesting of one’s own stem cells before undergoing chemotherapy to kill off the existing immune system. Those same cells, now cleansed, are transfused back into the body to reboot the immune system. This treatment has been shown to be about 80% effective however the cost is not covered by insurance. Travel for Nadia and her caregiver to the center along with lodging and the procedure itself could cost upwards of $50,000! This is a challenge she cannot face alone. Nadia needs your help.
To help with the financial burden of Nadia’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her 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 allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Northwest Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution.
For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.
This procedure will give Nadia a chance to live a normal life again; to hike and play soccer with her son, walk on the beach with her dad and share holidays with her family. It gives Nadia a chance to be there as her son grows into a man. Please, consider making a donation. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity.
