Janet Horton

Almost 30 years ago, I was referred to a neurologist for an MRI by my family doctor because I was having persistent numbness in one of my legs. I didn’t think too much of it, however, in my follow up visit the neurologist informed me I had multiple sclerosis (MS). At the time, I knew almost nothing about the disease, but I knew I better find out what was happening to me and FAST. MS is an incurable disease and all of the treatment options available can, at best, only mitigate the symptoms. I have been on various medications to treat my symptoms and to slow the progression down. However, the treatments and medications have only provided marginal results. I can say, with 100% certainty, these treatments have NOT stabilized or repaired the damage MS has caused my body over the years.

Unfortunately, over the last several years the course of my MS has been moving faster and is causing more damage with each exacerbation. Fatigue has increased, heat tolerance is nonexistence, irregular gait causes frequent falls (many with injuries including fractured pelvis TWICE!) and many, many more chronic conditions. After decades of coping with the effects of MS, I began exploring other options for treating these symptoms more aggressively. After doing extensive research and having one-on-one discussions with other MS patients, the best treatment option for me is a stem cell transplant. I have consulted with my physicians, who have all encouraged me to proceed with this course of treatment. I am hopeful that a stem cell transplant, where doctors will extract and then reintroduce my own stem cells into my body, may reverse much of what MS has taken away.

Sadly, the treatment is not covered by insurance. I will have to travel to the treatment facility in California and will need to stay in the area for the procedure. In total, with the cost of the transplant and travel I will need to pay about $20,000 out of pocket. This is an expense I cannot afford on my own.

To help with these expenses, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with Help Hope Live. To make a tax-deductible donation, click Donate Now.

Thank you for your prayers, support and generosity. Please share this information so together we can help others as well. Keep an eye on my campaign page at www.helphopelive.org. I plan to post updates on the progress.

Sincerely,

Janet Horton and her paw family members AKA the dachshunds