Chrissy Duryee

11 years ago my life changed forever. I am Chrissy Duryee and I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on October 14th, 2005. Prior to diagnosis, I was looking forward to starting my first job post college when I began experiencing neurologic and urinary problems. After many doctor visits and tests, an MRI and a lumbar puncture, I was told, during a blunt phone call from the doctor’s office, that I have MS. I was told that I would be in a wheelchair in 10 years. My reaction was “How can he say this to me? He doesn’t know who I am or really anything about me!” The power of positive thinking is everything.

I have tried many different therapies throughout the 11 years and I feel that stem cell is a once in a life time opportunity for me. I will have to travel to receive the treatment. They will harvest my own fat cells, separate out the stem cells from the fat cells, activate the cells with a low light laser and then infuse them back through my body.

MS is a progressive autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys the protective coating around the nerves resulting in deterioration of large and fine motor skills. There is no cure for MS. I could have easily said, “My life is over” when I heard those words. Instead, I decided that my life has just begun. MS has definitely changed my life. Yes, being diagnosed is hard and yes I cried and asked why me, but I also decided to think about the good and stop thinking about the bad. At first, I didn’t want anyone to know that I had something wrong with me. Then, I thought, why? I have chosen to see every day is a new day, not to worry about yesterday. I’ve chosen to live my life and openly share my challenges with MS and educate people. “MS doesn’t control me; I control MS.”

Throughout this journey, I have explored many treatment options and therapies that might be effective against this disease; stem cell therapy has given me hope. However, because insurance does not cover the cost of the treatment I need to raise $15,000 for the procedure.

To help with the financial burden of my uninsured expenses, 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 Midwest/West Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution.

Of course I would not be anywhere without my family and friends (my angels)!! My Angels, whether you walk for me, donate money, support me with your positivity, and so many other ways, for you I am forever grateful!

Chrissy Duryee