Chances are you've seen my videos, social media posts or talked to my parents at church :). After lengthy research and prayer, I’ve decided to get (HSCT) a Non-Myeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant… a treatment that resets my immune system, could reverse the damage done by M.S and keep me drug free for a long time to come, possibly a lifetime. I don't take this decision lightly but the success rate of this particular stem cell transplant is 75-80% in stopping progression and even reversing symptoms in some cases... which is too promising for me to ignore.
My journey with Multiple Sclerosis this last 4 years has been one of intense research, disease management, progression and heartache. I fight for every single day but there comes a time when the traditional approach isn't working and a risk is worth taking.
My diagnosing Neurologist started me on Ocrevus infusions in 2021 which were supposed to be the most effective drug on the market for stopping progression. Unfortunately, I'm a small percentage of those patients that it doesn't work for and in the 3 1/2 years on it, I suffered tremendously with over a dozen UTI's in one year alone and various other infections and side effects. In that time, I've had multiple attacks and new lesions form in my cervical spine and brain and had to endure countless steroid infusions to stop the inflammation and damage, which if you know anything about IV steroids, they are just as brutal. Ultimately, I'm just not going to roll over and hope that I won't progress by taking a different disease modifying therapy with a lengthy list of side effects including liver, kidney or macular damage and even cancer, just to name a few.
The stem cell transplant procedure for auto-immune diseases was pioneered by Dr. Richard Burt over 30 years ago and his dedication to the MS and other communities is nothing short of amazing. His patient centric approach has been demonstrated time and again with his research efforts, bedside attention and ongoing efforts to stop this disease in it's tracks. More information including medical journal papers, patient testimonials and more can be found on his website www.astemcelljourney.com.
While it may be a God send to me, it's not without it's risk... It’s intense (roughly a month in and out of the hospital) and really expensive and unfortunately, health insurance can be a nightmare and as of now, simply will not cover this treatment as of right now. Here in the U.S., it costs about $150,000 and while I realize it’s shocking, it’s less expensive than the last 4 years of my unsuccessful treatments to the tune of 1.5 Million Dollars! My preference is certainly to have it done here in the U.S. but in the event that I cannot raise that much, there are locations throughout the world that are more affordable. I hate asking for help but I simply do not have the resources to do this alone and I believe that God has brought me to this place to rely on the generosity of others in addition to my own efforts. Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me".
With all that said and in prayer and petition… I humbly ask for your help...
I am seeking donations and direct financial support from those willing and able to support my journey to healing. I truly expect nothing but hope that this will come to fruition and pray that this will be a true restoration of my old self.
Your prayer and support is appreciated beyond measure even if you're not able to provide a donation. God Bless and if you want to follow my story, visit my website at www.HotMesswithMS.com.
Graciously, Anna Bush | Hot Mess with M.S.