I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1991. MS is a chronic disease that affects the brain, spinal cord and other nerve connections. The course of the disease is different for each person. For me, some of the results have been cognitive (or thinking) issues, difficulty walking, balance, intolerance of heat and chronic fatigue. These are some debilitating effects of the disease that make everyday life challenging for me.

I will use my own isolated stem cells and will have them injected into my body for therapy and treatment. This promising treatment could help my symptoms improve, however the cost of this treatment is very expensive and not covered by my health insurance. In addition to the cost of the treatment, I will incur travel, lodging and meal fees, as well as living expenses. I cannot do it alone and desperately need your help to reach my goal and make the HSCT treatment a reality. I know that with your help, the treatment will be possible and I will return to being active with family, friends and community.

To help offset such expenses, a fundraising campaign in my 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 Great Lakes Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. If you would like to make a contribution, please click the DONATE NOW bar.

Thank you for your good wishes and generosity.

Laurie Lotter