I have been battling Multiple Sclerosis, a debilitating disease, for the past 10 years. It has taken away a lot of my independence, I fight everyday to stay strong for my family. At first all hope was lost, but now our prayers have been answered as there is hope in the form of a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT).
The treatment consists of several chemotherapy infusions to dismantle my faulty immune system, followed by a stem-cell “reboot” using my own stem-cells. This type of therapy has been used for years in cancer patients, and is currently in trials here in the US for autoimmune diseases. This is the only treatment that can not only halt the progression of Multiple Sclerosis, but possibly reverse some of my disabilities. I was asked to fly to Chicago, where the trials are being done, for an evaluation, but due to insurance complications, the cost of the evaluation would need to be paid out of pocket. Even then, it is not a guarantee that you will be asked to join the trial.
Updates (3)
October 18, 2016
We have our own domain! Please visit www.strongformario.com, don't forget to register to follow our story.
October 7, 2016
We have a date! December 5, 2016 is our lucky number!!
Thank you for all of your support!
Mario has been off of his meds for 9 weeks, so far we are doing better than could be expected, thank you for all of your prayers!
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
December 2, 2016
Thinking about you, Mario. Good luck.
Michael O'Keefe
October 11, 2016
Best of luck Mario. Here is a nice poem I find myself reading when I look for strength.
A mighty wind blew night and day.
It stole the Oak Tree's leaves away.
Then snapped its boughs and pulled its bark
until the Oak was tired and stark.
But still the Oak Tree held its ground
while other trees fell all around.
The weary wind gave up and spoke,
"How can you still be standing Oak?"
The Oak Tree said, I know that you
can break each branch of mine in two,
carry every leaf away,
shake my limbs and make me sway.
But I have roots stretched in the earth,
growing stronger since my birth.
You'll never touch them, for you see
they are the deepest part of me.
Until today, I wasn't sure
of just how much I could endure.
But now I've found with thanks to you,
I'm stronger than I ever knew.
by Johnny Ray Ryder Jr.
Camarillo
September 25, 2016
I'm so thankful that you've allowed me (and many others) to be a part of your journey to recovery by allowing us to help in any way we can! The Lord has blessed me tremendously when it comes to family and I can't wait to see the amazing things he has in store for you, Mario! Lub you all!
Kristen Morin
