Allison Wisniewski

Fall 2024 Update
Initially raised $21,901 (already used for uninsured medical expenses associated with catastrophic illness)
Remaining: $2,000
New goal for stem cell treatment: $38,000 (new treatment $40k + travel)

Overview
In 2014, Allison was diagnosed with a very rare chronic progressive autoimmune disease affecting her peripheral nerves called multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN). Allison’s immune system is attacking her own motor nerves. It develops in a chronically progressive or stepwise manner and over time leads to wasting or atrophy of the muscles controlled by the nerves. Her fingers, hands, wrists, and arms are impacted on both sides.

On a daily basis she has difficulties writing, preparing meals, turning a key, blow drying her hair, and using a knife to cut food. Some of the items she can no longer do are opening a new jar/can, peeling potatoes, typing, placing objects on a shelf above her head, doing yard work, making beds, washing floors, or carrying heavy objects. Because of these many limitations much of the manual labor/housework falls to her husband, Mike.

This disease also prevents her from enjoying recreational activities such as bike riding, backyard games, aerobics, or playing softball/catch with her kids. She is always completely exhausted and needs to sleep many hours every day to avoid head/body aches or feeling like she has the flu. Over time, this disease can progress to other parts of her body like her feet/legs.

What is Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)?
According to the National Institute of Health, Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN), is a rare, acquired, motor neuropathy characterized by progressive asymmetric weakness without sensory problems. Most patients develop a progressive worsening of strength, especially in the hands and arms, which can induce difficulties to perform even simple daily tasks such as writing, washing, dressing, etc. The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) states “the exact, underlying cause of multifocal motor neuropathy is not fully understood. The disorder is believed to be caused by or related to an abnormal response of the immune system and does not usually affect life expectancy.”
Science related article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/multifocal-motor-neuropathy

Good layman’s terms description from pharmaceutical manufacturer:
https://www.gammagard.com/mmn/what-is-mmn

Current Treatment
Every week for the past 10 years she receives an intensive 6-hour IV treatment to slow the progression of this disease. On her treatment day she has much fatigue, takes naps due to the medicine, often has headaches, and is unable to drive. In addition to the weekly treatment she takes many supplements to improve her health, does not eat gluten or dairy (the two most inflammatory foods), tries to decrease stress, and sleeps many hours per day. She has also tried other harsh pharmacological medical treatments, but unfortunately none of them have helped. There are not a lot of treatment options for MMN since it is such a rare disease and is not well studied. Therefore, Allison has been researching alternative healing methods in an effort to function without aching, increase her endurance, and attempt to retain her muscles . . . in hopes of a better quality of life.

Stem Cell Treatment
All of our bodies naturally produce Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), a unique type of stem cell capable of promoting regeneration, fighting inflammation, preventing cell death, regulating the immune system, and maintaining general wellness. Stem Cell infusions are an established non radiation/chemotherapy medical treatment demonstrated to be effective to halt the progression in neurologic autoimmune diseases. The aim of stem cells is to reboot the immune system and stop it from attacking itself. Stem cells often do not repair damage to the body that has already been done, however, is meant to stop the progression of the disease, like MMN, and its effects.
Stem cells could be life-changing for Allison. They are known to cause a modulation of the immune system so that it stops attacking the motor nerves in her body. This could halt the disease from spreading to other parts of her body so that she does not lose additional functionality. Stem cells may provide her with more stamina every day, she could not have as many aches, and potentially not need as much sleep providing her with a few more productive hours each day.
Stem cell client success stories:

Our Request
The IV treatment is quite expensive and they meet their high health insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum within the first couple weeks of every year. Every year they make many financial accommodations for this illness. Allison and Mike have always been ‘givers’ and asking for money is incredibly difficult for them! Friends of Allison are requesting that you join them in helping to raise money to pay for stem cell therapy.

Please help Allison reach her goal this year for stem cells, to help stop the progression of this debilitating disease. Allison has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. Thank you for your support!

To make a donation to her fundraising campaign, please go to:
helphopelive.org > type Allison Wisniewski under Find a Campaign > click on Allison’s name to open her page > click the “Give” button
*A tax form will automatically be sent for any donation greater than $250. For donations less than $250 please call to have a tax form sent to you 1-800-642-8399.