Another MS Warrior
04.05.20 ... UPDATE
Due to the Corona Virus outbreak, my treatment has now been delayed. We are continuing to fundraise, in the hope that I can get to Russia when it’s eventually safe to do so.
You can read more about my plans and how I’m managing my MS by visiting my blog here ... Another MS Warrior
09.03.20 ... ONE WEEK TO GO !!
Thank you to everyone for your amazing support. It’s just one week until I fly to Russia for treatment and it wouldn’t have been possible at all without your help.
We are still a little short of the funds needed but don’t want to delay treatment, as I am definitely experiencing worsening symptoms. I have borrowed to make up the short fall and we will carry on fundraising to pay off the loan.
Thank you xx
12.01.20
With just 9 weeks to go, we are on our final push to get as close to our fundraising target as we can. Please dig deep, share our campaign with your friends and give what you can. Thank you so much for your ongoing support xx
A few words from Connor and Niamh ...
Our mum, Vicky, is the strongest and most inspiring woman we know - we would like to do anything we can to secure the future she deserves. She has always wanted to see more of the world, make memories with family and friends and work hard in a job she loves, however her MS is beginning to get in the way of this.
This is where you come in ... we are asking you to help us raise the funds for our Mum to go abroad for HSCT. We know it is a lot of money to raise - any donation, big or small, will get her that little bit closer to being free of MS and living her life again!!!
And a few words from me ...
Well here I am, asking friends, family and strangers for money ...how on Earth did I get here?
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2017 and follow up scans in 2018 showed that the disease remains active, with further progression evident.
I am an outgoing independent person, with a job I love, a busy life, fantastic family and friends and lots of living still to do ...I already see my life being limited by MS and dread this happening more and more.
Until now, I have dealt with this by being positive and pushing on through my difficulties, but this is becoming harder as time goes on and the disease progresses further.
I have decided to take control and do whatever I can to stop the disease now!
At the moment, by far the most successful treatment for MS is HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant). This involves removing stem cells from the bone marrow, wiping out the immune system with chemotherapy and returning the stem cells to the body in order to rebuild a new immune system with no memory of MS.
HSCT is beginning to become available in the UK, but the criteria are very narrow and waiting lists are long. My best hope is to travel abroad for treatment. There are a number of clinics in other countries where HSCT is available to MS patients, where there is excellent evidence of safety and of successful outcomes for patients.
It is my aim to travel abroad for HSCT in 2019 and get my life back on track.
I know we are all struggling a little at the moment, but anything you can spare would be gratefully received.
You can read more about my MS experience and journey towards HSCT here ... AnotherMSWarrior
If a miracle occurs and I am offered HSCT on the NHS, we will donate all funds raised to AIMS - a new charity that supports UK patients accessing HSCT.
Thank you for reading and for any help you are able to provide.
Vicky