Help Laura Erkkila Kick MS

Imagine, at the age of 37, being diagnosed with an incurable disease that will rob you of your ability to walk, roll over in bed, bathe yourself, give your grandkids a big hug or bake cookies with them. By 2016 my friend Laura Erkkila had been in a wheelchair for over 12 years due to progressive multiple sclerosis. No walking. No driving. No big hugs. No cookies. No independence.

Now imagine Laura's excitement finding out there is a medical procedure that can turn back the clock on MS. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant or HSCT has a success rate of 95%! Laura's own stem cells will be removed and cleaned. She will receive chemotherapy to destroy her immune system. Then the cleaned stem cells are put back into Laura's bloodstream to re-boot her immune system. The hope is that her system will have no memory of MS! Others have been in a wheelchairs prior to HSCT and walked into their homes after. So can Laura!

In the United States a person has to be 55 or younger to undergo HSCT for MS. Because Laura is just a few years older she is going to a specialized clinic in Mexico for this life altering treatment. Laura and I have been in contact with Americans that have had success there. Unfortunately having to leave the country means Laura's insurance won't cover her medical bills. There will be some travel costs as well.

The clinic requires full payment prior to treatment. So, as hard as it is to ask, Laura will be forever grateful for any size monetary gift you are able to give to help improve her life. If that is not possible, then please pray for my friend, as she believes in the power of prayer.

God Bless You All