Linda Himenes

My name is Linda Himenes. Prior to my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2003, I was an active mother of four and accomplished professional. Community outreach, travel, rescuing animals, working with my hands, and all things creative were my passions. The first 10 years or so, I had numerous relapses with some remaining disability each time. In 2013, MS progression finally took its toll on my body and mind. It forced me out of my job, career, and livelihood, and things went downhill from there.

MS is an incurable autoimmune disease that causes your own immune system to attack your healthy central nervous system. I try not to complain about the symptoms, but having MS is a full-time job. It can attack at any time and we never know what the new disability will be, or if it will be permanent. I have endured hospitalizations, eye and Achilles surgeries, leg braces, tubes, needles, and toxic infusions, just to name a few. It has taken my ability to stand, walk, see straight, use my hands, or participate in normal daily activities. Pain, debilitating fatigue, loss of coordination, brain function, and joy of any social life are my new normal. Falls, sprains, and bruises are routine, and are the reason I’m no longer allowed in the kitchen. MS has robbed me and now I need your help.

After much research and waiting over a year, I have been accepted for a treatment called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Treatment (HSCT). It is a common cancer treatment that harvests my own stem cells from my bone marrow. Then my bad immune system is totally wiped out via strong chemotherapy. When it is down to 0-10%, the healthy stem cells are returned to reboot my old/bad autoimmune system. Sounds like a walk in the park, right? Well, it is a 30 day, in-patient, isolating, expensive walk in the park… but it is the closest thing to a cure that I will see in my lifetime.

This transplant will change my life. However, the costs associated with this procedure are monumental. I am trying to raise $18,000 for this treatment, travel, and aftercare. Our family is up against a challenge we cannot meet alone and we desperately need your help.

To help offset my 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 South-Central Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant related expenses only. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

My kids, friends, family and strangers continue to give so much. I can never say how grateful I am for everyone’s efforts to help me get my life and future back. I am overwhelmed by your support and the positive outlook you have helped me maintain. Thank you for helping me take advantage of this opportunity of a lifetime.