Lori Carter

Lori Carter has a severe and progressive condition known as multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, and damages the myelin sheath, or the material that surrounds and protects the body’s nerve cells. Since 2001, Lori’s symptoms have steadily progressed, and she experiences severe neuropathy, brain fog, numbness in her arms and legs, painful burning and stabbing sensations, blurred vision, loss of balance, severe fatigue, and an overall lack of energy. Lori is managing her MS symptoms each and every day, but unfortunately she is progressively getting worse. Unable to work and enjoy her life, Lori experiences symptom flare-ups and MS “attacks” at random. The effects tend to be cumulative, meaning that between each flare-up, her body does not always recover to its pre-attack condition. Over time, the progression of episodes has become debilitating, and Lori’s condition has gotten worse.

Medications to treat MS have very serious side effects, and only slow the progression of the disease. Unfortunately for Lori, these drugs have not been successful and are very expensive, costing upwards of $70,000 per year. Lori is sometimes left immobile, in chronic pain and is very weak and cannot always leave her home. The few drugs that are available to her have very dangerous side effects and can lead to fatal brain infections. Lori is not willing to take that chance.

Despite the challenges and difficult road that Lori has faced, she does have some hope for the future. A promising treatment known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has had very positive results for the MS community. This treatment can be very effective and life-changing, and if it works, HSCT can completely halt the progression of MS. If successful, Lori would never have to face the devastating effects of her disease again, and she could once again live a normal and active life. After extensive medical testing to qualify for this treatment, Lori has been accepted into an HSCT program, but her health insurance company is denying payment. Without financial help, Lori will be expected to raise $50,000 and she cannot do this alone. Lori is determined to get back on her feet, but she is asking for your help!

Funding the HSCT procedure is a monumental task. Lori has appealed the decision of her health insurance, however there is no guarantee she will win the battle for payment. Even with health insurance approval, Lori will be faced with many out-of-pocket medical expenses including co-pays and deductibles, lab fees, travel and lodging expenses, anti-rejection medications, and more.

Lori has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law 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 Donate Now button.

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

Thank you for your support!

Your support is critical to the overall success of Lori’s struggle. Please know that your contribution counts, and is one step closer to a successful outcome for Lori. Thank you in advance for your generosity.