Ana Matos

About nine years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and thought my life was over. From the beginning, I felt lost and alone, depressed and upset, but years passed and I learned how to adapt to a new type of life living with constant and excruciating pain. I had difficulty walking and sleeping – I could barely hold a pencil to write. So while the pain was persistent, thinking about the many people who relied upon me helped me endure.

In recent times I lost my health insurance and had no coverage for my medications. The pain grew worse – some days I couldn’t even cover myself with a blanket, let alone get dressed or help my children do the same. But in February 2016, I was able to reinstate my health insurance and resumed my medication. But even with the medication, my hands and wrists swelled and my fingers were stiff, and I became easily fatigued. This loss of function has led to concern about performing the functions required to keep my new job.

Some time ago, my husband made me aware of the StemGenex Medical Group and their treatment of RA with stem cell therapy. After receiving more information on the program, I submitted an application to be part of the study (I was told that only 70 applicants would be selected from a pool of 800). Within three days I was informed that I had been selected for the program! I wanted to jump, scream and cry. Unfortunately, I couldn’t cry because RA has led to a syndrome called Sjongren’s, which has left me with no tears.

The downside of this treatment is the cost. I realized that even with my acceptance into this study, I would be unable to participate due to lack of funds. StemGenex suggested that I fundraise for this expense and provided me with information on Help Hope Live, a national nonprofit, as a possible resource for fundraising. A key to this fundraising is sharing my story with others in order to raise the required $20,000. And while the fundraising seems daunting, I have come to see it as one more life challenge in my battle with RA.

To help offset the cost of my treatment, a fundraising campaign in my 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 Northwest Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. If you would like to make a contribution, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW BUTTON! My husband and I thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity,

Gratefully,

Ana Matos