Elizabeth Mechelle Woodham

Missy Is a 58-year-old mom who has had multiple sclerosis for the past 28-years. She is mom to 19-year-old triplets, a 17-year-old. All four of her children suffer with chronic and critical illnesses, including her son with cystic fibrosis who requires surgery every two to six months. Her daughters with dysautonomia/POTS has been waiting for over two years to get a follow-up appointment to begin treatment. One of her daughters passes out in the shower so, her waiting two years, like her sister, is not a safe option. It is crucial that Missy get herself and her children relocated to an area with prompt medical care and near family for support in the Atlanta, Georgia and Emory University area. Missy was diagnosed with MS 28-years ago, however, after dozens of doctors failed to respond to growing and spreading brain lesions on yearly brain MRIs, one neurologist even claiming she was a hypochondriac, she is only now beginning disease modifying therapy to try and save what is left of her memory and cognitive functions, as well as keeping her as mobile as possible so that she can continue to care for her sick children. Missy will be traveling from her home in Florida to Ohio for treatment with an MS neuroimmunologist. She also suffers with psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, a collapsed and herniated spine, and suffered a stroke one year ago. Missy has been disabled since 2012 and recently learned that she and her husband of 22-years are divorcing, another reason that relocating quickly is of utmost importance. The disease modifying therapy (DMT) requires an infusion every 6 months. These meds can have harsh side effects that can require bedrest for a bit after each infusion. The DMT is akin to chemotherapy in that it will suppress the immune system, making her more susceptible to illness. This presents a problem since her kids have appointments, labs, procedures every week and occassional hospital stays. Her kids are looking forward to starting their college careers and Missy would like to get herself some home health services in place so that her kids can concentrate on their studies instead of being Mom’s assistants. With these MS treatments, Missy is hoping to stay healthy enough to give her kids a good, solid start in life, despite their own health challenges and a safe, secure home with enough of the foods to fit their particular special dietary needs. Each of her kids’ illnesses require a specific diet, as does hers, which is very costly and right now she is struggling to provide the one cooked meal they get a day. There are crucial, necessary medications and treatments that are far beyond their budget to provide.

Missy has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

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