Melissa Howe

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in October of 2005. I woke up one morning and had no feeling in my right leg and gradually lost muscle control on the left side of my entire body throughout the day. I had to stop working in Jan. of 2015 due to my condition. Over the last few years I have had “attacks” which were treated by an in home nurse who administered steroids via an IV line over 5 days. These devastating symptoms never disappeared. Unfortunately my symptoms have increased over the past year and the treatments do not have any effect on making them disappear.

I currently use a cane outside the house and avoid longer outings, every small task is becoming difficult to accomplish. I cannot just let my disease continue to decline my health and be bedridden in the near future. I have been bound and determined to do more than simply accept my tragic fate. I have chosen not to sit idly by and suffer from a lifelong, incurable beast. This disease historically only progresses downward. I will fight! My extensive research has lead me to the discovery of a procedure called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). This procedure has been completed for years to fight cancer. My disease progression isn’t allowing me to wait any longer without seeking new hope and help!

There is a large ongoing clinical trial in Chicago that is showing great results. Approximately 80% of the MS patients have had the disease stop progressing and some have even had the damaged cells repaired by their “new” immune system and their disabilities are being eliminated. People who were unable to walk before the transplant slowly regained the ability to walk again. MS patients from around the world can apply and do get accepted but the cost could be up to $250,000.00!!!

I have recently been accepted to participate in this clinical trial at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago with Dr. Richard K. Burt. I have been given a spot to have this procedure completed in 2016. This procedure uses high dose chemotherapy in congruence with one’s own stem cells to “reboot” the immune system. HSCT erases the immune system’s memory and basically hits the “reset button”. This stops the underlying MS disease activity and allows the body a chance to repair itself.

This whole process could take 3 months of time which I would need to stay in Chicago, this doesn’t include the recovery phase at home. This procedure is working and can change my life, but I need help to get there. I want to be able to be a great mother to my two children, Ryan & Ty, and see them grow up into successful adults without being disabled by MS. I want to dance with my children when they get married and be able to play with my grandchildren when the time comes. I need your help with donations, no matter how small, to have this transplant. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

Thank you for helping me in this journey.
Missy