Ria Fincham

My name is Ria Fincham and I am 27 years old. In September, 2012 I was diagnosed with Neuro Myelitis Optica (NMO) and prior to that I suffered two attacks of Transverse Myelitis — the second episode left me paralyzed with only the use of my neck and left arm/hand.

Prior to my diagnosis I was working as a sales supervisor for a tech support company. I had taken a break from college because I realized that I wanted to become a respiratory therapist and my plan was to finish getting my AA and then continue schooling to become a Respiratory Therapist. However, I needed to save money for school so I worked 10 hour days and took open shifts. My goal was to use my savings, along with grants, scholarships, or loans to pay for my schooling. Unfortunately, I suffered my first attack in July, 2012 and ended up having to use all of my savings to pay my bills, insurance premiums, and for the travel to and from UCLA.

Prior to my attack I loved to compose, write, and perform music. I also loved school and learning. What saddens me most is not being able to go to school, work, or have children due to lesions on my brain and my susceptibility to another attack from stress or infection.My fiancé was unable to handle my multiple medical issues and broke off our engagement. With the intensive With the intensive innovative rehab therapy that Project Walk provides, I feel that if I can regain function in my upper body, walk on the parallel bars with braces, and my right arm/hand that I can do anything. However, I need your help so that I can be cured and continue my healing and progress.

Even with insurance, I have many uninsured illness-related expenses such as: rehab therapy at Project Walk, monthly infusions of IVIG (donated human antibodies), medications, medical supplies and equipment. My ULTIMATE goal is to travel to Chicago, IL and consult with Dr. Richard Burt at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for a possible stem cell transplant. He has the proven autologous stem cell treatments to stop my rare disease (like he has already done for others).

To help with this financial burden, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant/catastrophic illness community for more 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Catastrophic Illness Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for illness-related expenses only. To donate now, please click the DONATE NOW button.

Please help me and my family to finally live our lives in peace and for me to be able to accomplish the dreams I know God has in store for me. God bless you all for your help and empathy for my suffering and goals to get well.

Ria