DeAnna Lopes

DeAnna, my mother — my mommy, a teacher, wife, Nana, daughter, cousin, aunt and dear friend to many. In March of 2000, Mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but that never stopped her, until now. She is in need of a stem cell transplant (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant or HSCT) that will halt the progress of her MS and allow her to participate again in the activities she loves.

Having received a BA in Psychology along with a post-baccalaureate in Applied Behavior Analysis, Mom has dedicated her heart for more than 20 years to working with children. MS has taken away her ability to run, ride a bike and a motorcycle, play tennis, ski, bowl, wakeboard, and hike, sew and type. Her largest issue is her inability to control her balance. Mom’s symptoms have worsened to the point where she must use a wheelchair for long distances so she does not fall and hurt herself. She is frequently tired and experiences numbness in various parts of her body. At the prime age of 47 this is just not fair.

An HSCT transplant would gather Mom’s stem cells, preserve them while she undergoes chemotherapy, and then reintroduce her cells back into her body. Through consistent physical therapy people who have received HSCT have made great strides in recovery.

My mother has never been one to ask for help or even complain. I want my children to experience the great love that my mother has shown me. To be a grandmother who can enjoy activities with them, but not from the sidelines in a wheelchair. As the treatment is not covered by insurance, we will have to raise about $80,000 to cover the transplant cost, airfare for Mom and her caregiver, along with their food and lodging.

To help with the financial burden of DeAnna’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in her honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, 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, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only. Please consider a contribution today and press the DONATE NOW button.

Please consider helping during this hard, yet hopeful time in our lives. While the amount we have to raise is large, every dollar donated will bring Mom one step closer this life-changing treatment. Even if you cannot donate at this time, please share this appeal letter on your social networks or through email. Prayers, well wishes, positive thoughts and love are also greatly appreciated. In 2022 America may be able to receive this FDA approved treatment for MS, but Mom does not have the time to wait.

Thank you so much,

Christy Welch [email protected]