My name is Anna Wise, and I am hoping to raise money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with my stem cell transplantation to halt the progression of and, more than likely, cure my Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in December 2009, when I suddenly went blind in my right eye due to Optic Neuritis. I was started on first-line MS injectables (Copaxone and Avonex) and then an MS pill (Gilenya), all of which I failed.
At the time of my diagnosis, I was working as a full-time inpatient Physical Therapist. I tried so hard to keep working, but after needing to go on short-term disability multiple times due to about 10 relapses requiring IV steroids following my diagnosis, I had to go on full disability in October of 2011. I could no longer work due to left-sided weakness in my leg and arm, as well as painful spasticity and an additional 5 losses of eyesight.
In 2012, I began taking a second-line medication, on which I did well for 3 years but then failed this May, due to new enhancements on my brain MRI. So, now my options are limited to chemo or HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Therapy). HSCT is the transplantation of multipotent hematopoietic stem cells, derived from my own bone marrow after my immune system is basically “reset” by chemotherapy. Since the progression of my illness, I have extreme fatigue and spasticity, weakened muscles on the left and now beginning on the right side of my body, as well as numbness in the legs and cognitive/memory issues. I want my life back for my family, especially my two young boys, ages 11 and 9, and having this HSCT procedure would make this possible for me. I could be free of this MonSter forever. It’s an amazing opportunity with which I have been blessed.
Updates (8)
January 20, 2017
Medicare came through!
I have my dates to start my treatment!!!
I leave for Chicago in 5 days!
First chemo is on Jan 27th
Then home on Feb 6, after they harvest my stem cells to rest until…
Feb 16: admission as an inpatient and more chemo
Feb 23: my stem cell infusion and start of my new life.
Thank you to everyone for your support, kindness, prayers, and well wishes. I couldn’t have done this without all of you!
What an amazing 40th Birthday present!
January 16, 2017
UPDATE! Great news!!! I got my new contract for the treatment! Medicare will be taking over as my insurance. The first deposit will be coming from this fundraising account.
I truly appreciate all of the support, and I will be thanking everyone individually soon. I am hoping to get my dates tomorrow sometime and will announce them on here as well.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!
Guestbook
December 23, 2016
Keep fighting! My 11 yo son had a stem cell transplant this past June to cure leukemia relapse and he is recovering very well. It won't be easy but let's hope it helps. Greetings from Poland!
Alex K
December 6, 2016
You rock woman, sending you positive thoughts
Kim
December 3, 2016
Keep fighting Anna, you are going to win this!!
Barbara Wise
