Michael Carns

Mike Needs Your Help to Stop His MS!

Mike Carns had his life turned upside down in 2013 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory disease which damages the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. This was discovered after he had knee and hernia surgery and continued having problems walking. An MRI scan confirmed the devastating diagnosis of MS. Mike’s degeneration has been rapid and in less than two years he has gone from walking unassisted to using a cane, a walker, and now a scooter. Mike has the opportunity to go overseas for low dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant to halt the MS and “reboot” his system to reverse the prior damage. The procedure is called HSCT and though it is only in the third trial phase in the US, it is being performed routinely in many other countries with great long-lasting results. The challenge is that insurance won’t cover any of it. HSCT has been performed since the 1960″ S.

Mike is a single father of three young children (Mikey, 14; Reagan, 12; Ronan, 9). He joined the US Marines in 1989, serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After his time in the Marine Corps infantry he took time off to go to college and start his family. He then joined the Florida National Guard where he has trained many servicemen and women going overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan. He has coached youth football and both youth and high school lacrosse.

Going overseas for the potentially life-saving HSCT procedure will be expensive. Not only is the procedure expensive but Mike and a caregiver will need travel and lodging covered too. We expect that we need to raise at least $60,000-70,000.

Michael 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 Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!