Lori Carter has a severe and progressive condition known as multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and damages the myelin sheath, or the material that surrounds and protects the body’s nerve cells. Since 2001, Lori’s symptoms have steadily progressed, and she experiences severe neuropathy, brain fog, numbness in her arms and legs, painful burning and stabbing sensations, blurred vision, loss of balance, severe fatigue, and an overall lack of energy. Lori is managing her MS symptoms each and every day, but unfortunately she is progressively getting worse. Unable to work and enjoy her life, Lori experiences symptom flare-ups and MS “attacks” at random. The effects tend to be cumulative, meaning that between each flare-up, her body does not always recover to its pre-attack condition. Over time, the progression of episodes has become debilitating, and Lori’s condition has gotten worse.

Medications to treat MS have very serious side effects, and only slow the progression of the disease. Unfortunately for Lori, these drugs have not been successful and are very expensive, costing upwards of $70,000 per year. Lori is sometimes left immobile, in chronic pain and is very weak and cannot always leave her home. The few drugs that are available to her have very dangerous side effects and can lead to fatal brain infections. Lori is not willing to take that chance.

Despite the challenges and difficult road that Lori has faced, she does have some hope for the future. A promising treatment known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has had very positive results for the MS community. This treatment can be very effective and life-changing, and if it works, HSCT can completely halt the progression of MS. If successful, Lori would never have to face the devastating effects of her disease again, and she could once again live a normal and active life. After extensive medical testing to qualify for this treatment, Lori has been accepted into an HSCT program, but her health insurance company is denying payment. Without financial help, Lori will be expected to raise $50,000 and she cannot do this alone. Lori is determined to get back on her feet, but she is asking for your help!