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My name is Shawna Hamlett and I have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. I am a single Mom of two wonderful sons who are 13 and 17. Since my diagnosis 13 years ago, I have struggled daily to function with the symptoms of this terrible disease. I often experience difficulty walking and sometimes even thinking and talking, numbness and pain in my legs and feet, hearing and vision problems, insomnia and almost constant extreme fatigue. I just want my life back so that I can be the Mom I want to be, and not have to worry about what this disease will do to me as it progresses in the future.
I have been evaluated at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago for a treatment called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) which uses stem cells from my own bone marrow along with chemo to essentially “reset” my immune system. HSCT has been shown to not only halt the progression of this disease, but many patients who’ve been treated have seen amazing improvements in their condition. I feel extremely blessed to say that I’ve been approved to receive the treatment!! Getting this treatment could truly be life-changing for me and for my whole family.
In order to receive the treatment though, I’ll need to spend several weeks in Chicago and must be accompanied by a caregiver. During some of that time, I will be an in-patient at Northwestern Hospital, but during other times I won’t be an in-patient but will be required to stay in Chicago near the hospital. While I’m receiving treatment as an out-patient, I will be responsible for all the costs of lodging, meals, etc. Also, insurance will only pay 80% of the cost of this treatment, which is usually about $125,000.00, so I am responsible for the remaining medical costs. Needless to say, these expenses will be a hardship on me and my family. This is where your help is desperately needed. To anyone who feels led to contribute toward helping me get this treatment, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Please feel free to share this link with others who might be interested.
NOTE: To help offset expenses for the HSCT treatment, a fundraising campaign in Shawna’s 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 South Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. No contribution is too small! If you would like to make a contribution, please click the DONATE NOW bar.
Shawna's Help Hope Live campaign is in the news! Click for the story: http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/20170305/reset-for-immune-system
Our prayers that this treatment will be life changing for you.
Wendy & John Mies
Met through FB, connected through MS. Friends now through this experience. I am excited for you and cannot wait to see your journey. I hope to be right behind you and we can share future stories of raising our kids as single moms! Best wishes for a full and amazing life. xoxo
Ali Roberts
Shawna I am so glad you were accepted in this treatment program. Praying for you and your doctors and that the time there will pass quickly for you. God has great plans for you and a lot of people are praying for you.
Love & prayers,
Debbie Rice
Debbie Rice
I've been following your progress through your mom, Shawna. So glad you got into the program, and glad to help you get there.
Robin
A mutual friend shared your story on Facebook. I also have RR MS and have heard of Dr Birch's treatment at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago. All I ask is that you contact me in 6 months or so and tell me how it went. God Bless and good luck!
John Frisch (friend of Denise Reinbold Wiik)
Many healing prayers being sent your way! So glad we could help you to heal!
Denise and Greg Wiik (Judy Reinbold's daughter)
We wish you the best of luck!! You got this!
Riedel Family
So many times, it's been difficult to watch you struggle with the effects of this terrible disease. But through it all, we've been so proud of your courage and attitude, and your determination to never give up. We are so very thankful for this life-changing opportunity for you!
Much love, Mom
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Shawna Hamlett
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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