A Chance to Live Again
In 2016, Collin was diagnosed with M.S. after extensive testing and MRI results revealed multiple lesions on his brain. The floor dropped out from beneath us- it couldn't be real. We were in a state of shock, but in the back of our minds a lingering sense of dread took root; now, it's looming.
Multiple sclerosis is a progressively debilitating autoimmune disorder; its timing and effects on bodily functions are unpredictable. It only gets worse. There is no cure.
Over the years, Collin never let on how much he was struggling. He no longer has that luxury.
Collin has lost the stamina, balance, muscle coordination and strength required to do simple tasks with ease. He struggles to walk.
After a fall that resulted in a concussion and a trip to the ER, I pleaded with him to start using some sort of walking assistance. I worry about him falling every day, but I know it's hard for him. He used to be independent. Now, begrudgingly, he uses a cane (made by his father, who gets around just fine) to help him walk. Life in a wheelchair seems inevitable.
This is not remotely the life he pictured for himself.
Collin was forced to give up his dream of becoming an officer in the Air Force, and medically retired from service in 2017. He used to run, swim, hike, cycle, climb, fish, camp- he was the picture of an adventurous and athletic outdoor enthusiast, but no more.
Our family used to go exploring on trips and take daily walks after dinner. Collin used to play soccer with our daughter and carry her to bed at night. Our son won't have those experiences. Our son sees his father struggling and offers encouragement, saying "It's ok Dada, you can do it!".
While today Collin can't carry our three year old son to bed, tomorrow still, he may not be able to maneuver a video game controller to play with our teenage daughter.
Everyday is a constant battle against an unseen and unforgiving enemy. Another relapse could strike at any moment, robbing Collin of yet another piece of his life and vitality.
It has been nothing less than crushing watching my husband slowly deteriorate, to see him experiencing the loss, shame, fear, and hopelessness that comes with MS.
But right now we have a chance to stop, or at least slow the disease. Our hope is to preserve the quality of life he has today so that he may live it to the fullest in the future.
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) combined with chemotherapy is Collin's fighting chance.
This will essentially reset his immune system, relieving symptom severity and halting disease progression.
HSCT is an approved therapy for certain cancers, but has yet to receive FDA approval as a treatment for M.S., making it virtually inaccessible in the U.S..
Luckily, there are many treatment facilities in other countries that offer HSCT, and Collin has been accepted into one of their programs at the cost of $60,000.
Though it is labored, Collin's desire to retain mobility and independence is fierce.
It is out of sheer desperation and hope that we reach out to you for help- any contribution will bring us one step closer to Collin getting his life back.
With love and undying gratitude,
The Bates Family