But first…
What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Hope on the horizon….
MS has affected my mother’s life in many negative ways. She was not able to participate in some of mine or my brother’s activities when we were younger. She had to retire much too early from a fulfilling career nearly 10 years ago. And most recently, she was not able to dance at my wedding. She hopes to actively enjoy grandchildren in the future, and even dance at my brother’s wedding someday. She has sincere hopes of again being able to do these and many other things someday soon.

My mother has taken steroids and four different disease-modifying MS-specific drugs since 1995. The drugs have slowed the progression of the disease, but not halted the decline of its effects. She is on the waiting list to receive treatment in 2017. The treatment is a procedure called HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) in Mexico. She has decided the HSCT treatment is her only option. One thing we know is that without HSCT, she will get worse. The procedure involves removing her own stem cells from her peripheral blood through a process called aphaeresis. Then, chemotherapy will be given to wipe out 80% of her immune system; then her stem cells will be infused back via IV. The procedure “reboots”/restarts the immune system with no memory of MS. The HSCT procedure has yielded outstanding results of no further disease activity in 87% of MS patients at the 5-year post transplant mark. The HSCT procedure is currently being performed in many countries, but not yet FDA approved in the United States. However, HSCT is not experimental, and has been used to treat autoimmune disorders since the early 1990’s. HSCT is the only scientifically verified treatment to stop the underlying MS disease process. We have comprehensively researched all available facilities, and determined that Mexico would be the best option. The procedure and related pre/post procedures expenses, including the expense for the required caregiver, will cost about $70,000. So, I’m asking you to consider making any end-of-year donations to the charity HelpHOPELive.org in my mother’s honor. The charity we are utilizing is registered 501c3, all donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law, and will go directly to help offset the cost of my mother’s treatment.

Thank you very much in advance for your support, prayers, and generosity. If you would like to know more about my mother’s journey with MS, HSCT treatment, or how we can use your help, please do not hesitate to contact me, Lindsay Hill at lindsah@g.clemson.edu, or my mother, Beth Hill at fooscat@aol.com.

Sincerely,
Lindsay Hill