Amanda Register

Family and Friends- I do not take this lightly, It is not easy for me to come to you and ask for help but I have no choice.

As most of you know I have had MS for most of my life. I was diagnosed when I was 23. I have been very blessed to not have many visible symptoms for most of my Journey. That is until about 5 years ago. In the past 5 years my walking has severely deteriorated. I can now only walk about 100 yards before I need to sit down or else I will fall down. I also use a cane now to keep my balance and provide support. MS also has invisible symptoms like extreme fatigue, foggy thinking, vision deterioration, bladder incontinence, and loss of muscle strength. I have or am experiencing all of those symptoms just mentioned.

MS can continue to deteriorate your body until you are totally paralyzed or even cause death. Doctors cannot predict how long your symptoms will stay mild nor how bad you will get, or how fast. I tell you that to lead into why I need help.

There is a treatment that has given me a tremendous amount of hope. It is called HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation). It uses YOUR OWN STEM CELLS and does not utilize fetus stem cells at all. HSCT has been in trial in Chicago for 10+ years and is showing fantastic results! In 70-80% of patients it is stopping MS progression in its tracks. Some patients even report regaining some of the function they lost. I urge you to research it online but make sure it is HSCT and not just stem cell infusion without chemo.

Here is the part where I need help. They offer this treatment in:

-Chicago (if accepted in trial) for $125,000+ travel and out of work for 45 days.
-Mexico is $55,000 + travel expenses and out of work for 45 days.
-Russia is $45,000 + travel expenses and out of work for 45 days.
I am figuring $70,000 to cover all expenses and there will be infusions and follow up appointments after the procedure that is not covered by insurance. Also, Ronald (my husband and caregiver) will be out of work for 30 days to travel with me to get the treatment.

Americans tend to think healthcare in Mexico or Russia is inferior, but I have researched it and I can assure you they are not. These hospitals are top notch!

Obviously very few people can afford to be out of work for 45 days plus the thousands of dollars in expenses incurred to have it done.

Not having this treatment is not an option. If I don’t go through with it I may not be able to walk at all in the future, I may not be able to hold my grandchildren for fear of dropping them, I may not be able to work, I may not even be able to get out of bed………….That is not the life I want to live, that is not a chance I want to take!

Our target date to reach our goal is October 1, 2016. This is because we anticipate this to be around the time of the procedure. I am currently on the waiting list in Mexico and Russia, and they will notify me several months in advance before my date. Also, if there are cancellations,I could be moved up on the list and have the treatment earlier than expected.

We will be having multiple fundraising events to work to raise money as well. These events will be updated in a blog that I will be updating from time to time. So I ask you, if you can share my page, talk to your family and friends, and donate if possible. Even a few dollars a week or so will help………

Thank you from the bottom of my heart !!
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Amanda has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

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