Tonya Godwin

Tonya needs your support!

My wife, Tonya Godwin is 45 years-old and suffers from primary progressive multiple sclerosis, or PPMS. PPMS is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes destruction of the central nervous system. There is no cure for this disease, and because PPMS is a rare form of multiple sclerosis, there are even fewer treatments available. Since 2005, PPMS has left my wife, a once extremely active exercise enthusiast, unable to walk and in a wheelchair fulltime. Tonya experiences debilitating pain, muscle weakness, neuropathy, fatigue, tremors, and extreme stiffness in her lower body. These symptoms keep her wheelchair bound and unable to take part or enjoy the things she once loved.

Tonya and I met in college, and have been married for over 23 years. We have a daughter and son, and as you can imagine Tonya means the world to me. Our daughter attends North Carolina State and our son is proudly serving in the United States Coast Guard. Conventional medications have not worked for Tonya, and her condition continues to deteriorate. Despite her illness, Tonya is a strong soul and has a never give up attitude. We try and remain optimistic and are hopeful that one day she will enjoy the opportunity to once again be active, and spend time enjoying our children’s lives. In the meantime, we are trying to still find way to enjoy life and find blessings in each day we are given.

To help with the burden of Tonya’s expenses, a fundraising campaign in her 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 medical related expenses only. Funds can be used for treatment options not covered by insurance and to purchased handicap accessible equipment. To make a donation to this fundraising campaign, please click on the yellow DONATE NOW button.

Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts, prayers, and generous support.

Gratefully,

Rodney Godwin, Tonya’s loving and supportive husband