Tatiana Haas-Castro

Support Tatiana in making her candle burn brighter

My sister, Tatiana Haas-Castro, has secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Unfortunately, the course of Tatiana’s MS is aggressive and her physical abilities have been greatly effected. Tatiana faces increasing challenges with maintaining her independence. Sadly, there are no FDA approved treatments for secondary progressive MS in the US; however, there is treatment available elsewhere called Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT). This transplant will use her own stem cells, which are reintroduced into her body to halt further progression and/ or greatly reduce Tatiana’s symptoms of MS. Tatiana is on the waiting list for at Clinica Ruiz, a reputable clinic in Puebla, Mexico. Dr. Ruiz is an alumnus of Mayo Clinic and has been treating MS patients for many years. Tatiana’s neurologist has also researched the procedure and Clinica Ruiz and is in agreement with Tatiana’s decision. We are hopeful that this procedure might help reverse much of what MS has taken away from Tatiana.

Tatiana’s friends and family know that she is an optimist and that her personal motto is “Life is Good.” A registered nurse and a mother (mamacita), Tatiana is warm-hearted and caring. She is often caught helping others and remains positive in spite of the challenges she faces. Tatiana and her family are committed to HSCT treatment, with the goal of halting further disease progression. Tatiana has a goal of walking one mile with her daughter on the Greenway and would love to walk on the beach after her treatment.

The cost of HSCT at Clinica Ruiz is $54,500 and does not include travel, or any other post treatment therapies. Tatiana estimates that her total costs will be $60,000 for the procedure and related expenses. Because the procedure is being done outside the US, her insurance will not cover any of the cost.

To help with these expenses, a fundraising campaign was established in honor of Tatiana with Help Hope Live. Help Hope Live was chosen because it is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Funds are held in the South-Atlantic Stem Cell Transplant Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for transplant-related expenses only. This ensures accountability.

To make a donation, click the Donate Now button.

We thank you on behalf of all of Tatiana’s family and friends for your generosity, prayers, and positive vibes. “Life is Good”

Gratefully,

Guillermo and Traci Haas-Thompson (Tatiana’s brother and sister-in-law)