Laurie Newman

Laurie Newman is suffering from a progressive and debilitating form of multiple sclerosis (MS), and she desperately needs your help. MS is a disease of the central nervous system, where the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers. Eventually, the disease can cause the nerves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged. Laurie’s MS symptoms have now become unmanageable and even walking has become increasingly difficult. Laurie uses a cane and sometimes a walker as a result of muscle weakness and poor balance, and her disease continues to progress. Unfortunately, Laurie has not responded well to conventional therapies and medications, and she is seeking more advanced and alternative treatment options to halt the progression of her disease. Laurie is determined to get better, and has recently learned of a promising treatment known as non-embryonic stem-cell therapy (HSCT) in an effort to stop her MS and even help reverse some of her existing symptoms.

Laurie spends her free time with both family and friends, and her four young grandchildren (Makenna, Olivia, Brayden, and Lillianna) are the apple of her eye! Since Laurie has become sicker, she is no longer able to enjoy the small things that most people take for granted — simple walks, outings at the park, or a day at the zoo with her grandkids no longer exists. Sadly, Laurie’s grandkids have only known their grandma to be in pain and without the energy to enjoy their time together. Their greatest wish is that someday their grandma will be well enough to spend the day at the beach together, go shopping at the local mall, or even out for ice cream on a hot summer’s day.

HSCT therapy will potentially provide Laurie the opportunity to say goodbye to MS forever, and even reverse many of her present symptoms. This is where Laurie needs the support, love and prayers from her community, family and friends. While Laurie was approved for HSCT, the cost to fund this procedure is monumental. Laurie’s health insurance will not cover the cost of this treatment, and she is required to travel and stay for an extended period of time overseas. HSCT is currently approved in Mexico, where Laurie has qualified and is approved for treatment. She is also required to take supplements, post-transplant medications and follow-up medical appointments. But without your help, Laurie cannot afford the tens of thousands of dollars required to pay for HSCT therapy – this is where Laurie and her family, especially her four loving grandchildren, are asking for your financial support.

To help with Laurie’s financial burden, 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 North Central Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for transplant-related expenses only.Laurie has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the yellow DONATE NOW button. For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399. Thank you for your support!

Gratefully,

Laurie’s loving family,friends and grandchildren