Shawna Hamlett

MY STORY:

My name is Shawna Hamlett and I have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. I am a single Mom of two wonderful sons who are 13 and 17. Since my diagnosis 13 years ago, I have struggled daily to function with the symptoms of this terrible disease. I often experience difficulty walking and sometimes even thinking and talking, numbness and pain in my legs and feet, hearing and vision problems, insomnia and almost constant extreme fatigue. I just want my life back so that I can be the Mom I want to be, and not have to worry about what this disease will do to me as it progresses in the future.

I have been evaluated at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago for a treatment called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) which uses stem cells from my own bone marrow along with chemo to essentially “reset” my immune system. HSCT has been shown to not only halt the progression of this disease, but many patients who’ve been treated have seen amazing improvements in their condition. I feel extremely blessed to say that I’ve been approved to receive the treatment!! Getting this treatment could truly be life-changing for me and for my whole family.

In order to receive the treatment though, I’ll need to spend several weeks in Chicago and must be accompanied by a caregiver. During some of that time, I will be an in-patient at Northwestern Hospital, but during other times I won’t be an in-patient but will be required to stay in Chicago near the hospital. While I’m receiving treatment as an out-patient, I will be responsible for all the costs of lodging, meals, etc. Also, insurance will only pay 80% of the cost of this treatment, which is usually about $125,000.00, so I am responsible for the remaining medical costs. Needless to say, these expenses will be a hardship on me and my family. This is where your help is desperately needed. To anyone who feels led to contribute toward helping me get this treatment, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Please feel free to share this link with others who might be interested.

NOTE: To help offset expenses for the HSCT treatment, a fundraising campaign in Shawna’s 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 Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. No contribution is too small! If you would like to make a contribution, please click the DONATE NOW bar.