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Help Cori say Goodbye to MS
Donation protected
The story starts 16 years ago when Cori was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It was subtle issues with vertigo and slight weakness/control on her right side. She never enjoyed sitting still or being inside so she didn't let the diagnosis slow her down. We would still hike, volunteer and play with the kids, it just involved taking breaks and not overdoing it. As time has progressed she taught herself to write left handed and now uses multiple devices to try to walk on her own (electric stimulator and walker) but if it involves more than about 50 steps she has to use a scooter. As the disease progresses she struggles to be outside in the heat, dress, shower and do anything on her own. In addition she developed Trigeminal Neuralgia which is extreme facial pain of the trigeminal nerve. Think of needing a root canal but a dentist can't fix it and the only pain medicine that may work totally incapacitates you. (it's nickname is the suicide disease as it makes it difficult to eat, talk and or function).
She still has the most positive attitude and believes she can overcome these challenges. She still tries to participate in anything and everything the family does when we can figure out how to make it work, but as the disease progresses that is less and less.
There is a new theory that using HSCT can cure MS or at least stop it's progression (they still don't know how to heal the nerves that have been effected). HSCT described at a high level: They harvest cells from your body to convert them to stem cells. They then use Chemotherapy to totally deplete your immune system. At that point they return the stem cells to your body to reboot your immune system and create one that knows nothing about MS and attacking your body's nerves. (for more detailed info: http://www.hsctstopsms.com/what-is-hsct/ ) The procedure is in trials in the US with great early success but she was not accepted into the study as her MS has progressed too far and they are looking for more recent diagnosis of Relapsing Remitting (to ensure the best opportunity for positive trial results). We plan to undergo the treatment in Puebla, Mexico but the cost is $55K cash up front and insurance of course won't support this. They can work her in as soon as we raise the money and every day is critical as the disease progresses you don't know if you will get any of the mobility back.
The procedure is risky and costly but at this point she still wants to participate in her kids lives as they grow and is willing to take the chance as this treatment is the only one that currently provides "Hope".
We don't want to cause anyone to have to sacrifice financially but if you are looking to donate to a good cause we would appreciate it if you help Cori recieve the treatment. We are hopefull this will be the miracle we have been praying for - Thank you so much for your consideration!
She still has the most positive attitude and believes she can overcome these challenges. She still tries to participate in anything and everything the family does when we can figure out how to make it work, but as the disease progresses that is less and less.
There is a new theory that using HSCT can cure MS or at least stop it's progression (they still don't know how to heal the nerves that have been effected). HSCT described at a high level: They harvest cells from your body to convert them to stem cells. They then use Chemotherapy to totally deplete your immune system. At that point they return the stem cells to your body to reboot your immune system and create one that knows nothing about MS and attacking your body's nerves. (for more detailed info: http://www.hsctstopsms.com/what-is-hsct/ ) The procedure is in trials in the US with great early success but she was not accepted into the study as her MS has progressed too far and they are looking for more recent diagnosis of Relapsing Remitting (to ensure the best opportunity for positive trial results). We plan to undergo the treatment in Puebla, Mexico but the cost is $55K cash up front and insurance of course won't support this. They can work her in as soon as we raise the money and every day is critical as the disease progresses you don't know if you will get any of the mobility back.
The procedure is risky and costly but at this point she still wants to participate in her kids lives as they grow and is willing to take the chance as this treatment is the only one that currently provides "Hope".
We don't want to cause anyone to have to sacrifice financially but if you are looking to donate to a good cause we would appreciate it if you help Cori recieve the treatment. We are hopefull this will be the miracle we have been praying for - Thank you so much for your consideration!
Organizer and beneficiary
Cori Crawford
Organizer
Raleigh, NC
Corinne Crawford
Beneficiary