Please Share and Support

Image by Donnee Spencer

I don't often talk about my family here. Now that I do a search, I find that I told some stories of when they moved four years ago and a story involving niece and eldest nephew (A.K.A. ArcherGirl and HapkidoKid). (I have four nephews in total: eldest, middle, and the twins.)

Oh, and I also show off the stuff I knit for them. Like last Christmas. Or for Heather's birthday last year. (So, I guess I do talk about them, albeit in a roundabout way.)

Well, the reason that I bring this up today is for a cause. Heather, my sister-in-law, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in April 2012. She has an aggressive form of MS, and she needs help for her best treatment option. She's joined us today.

Hello, Heather

Hello to you, Liz!

To fund this treatment, Heather has a GoFundMe. But, Heather, you didn't start this yourself, did you? Who started it and why?

Actually, an acquaintance started the fundraising for me. Her name is Lori and I have gotten to know her a bit through my kids' archery practices and tournaments. She is a very kind lady that felt she could do this small thing to help me and my family. 

 This is not the first treatment you'll undergo. What were you doing this past Christmas?

On December 19, 2014, I began a treatment at UCLA Medical Center. I received eleven, eight hour chemotherapy treatments. It was equivalent to about nine months of chemo, compressed, in order to kill off my immune system. After that, I received stem cell therapy, as part of a clinical trial. 

I found out about a month ago that while the clinical trial is considering me a "success", I only received minimal benefits. In order to see more, long-term, improvement; I need more stem cells.

So, to get more stem cells, you need another treatment. Where do you have to go for this one?

The most affordable option that I have right now is the Panama University Hospital in Panama City, Panama. They are working in partnership with Johns Hopkins University Hospital to give people with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, the stem cell therapy that is my best option; but not yet FDA approved in the United States. 

Why hasn't the FDA approved it?

Sadly, due to misinformation, our country denies permission and funding for stem cell therapies; even though other countries have proven the effectiveness. 

I saw a bit of your travails on getting a passport on Facebook. Did you get your passport? What exactly happened there?

I was able to get all the forms approved and sent off, but it takes 2-3 weeks for processing. I've never had a passport before, and I had no idea how difficult it would be! Not due to the procedure, per se, mostly because the other 50 people applying 1) didn't fill out the forms properly, or 2) didn't bring the proper documents, or 3) didn't read the instructions. Then, they want to argue about their mistake and really solidify your belief that most people are really stupid. 

We all wish you well. Now, where can we go to help you out with all of this?

Here is the link to the GoFundMe page: http://www.gofundme.com/vr6sq2t

Please consider sharing on your social media pages! Thank you for taking the time to help me. 

Thanks for taking the time, Heather. Let us know how it goes.

And thank you for stopping by. I hope you can help, even if just by sharing this for your followers. Thanks.