Help Stacey beat Multiple Sclerosis

Hi Everyone, I’m Stacey, I’m 40 years old and from Leeds. This is very difficult and not something I would do lightly if I didn’t have to but here it is, here goes.

I have Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) which I was diagnosed with in January 2018. It is a chronic, progressive neurological auto-immune disease which affects the central nervous system. My own immune system is attacking my brain and the covering (myelin) around the spinal cord and nerves, causing significant disability and in an indeterminate amount of time could progress to the point that I will need to use a wheelchair and totally lose my independence.

I have struggled alot since and seen my health deteriorate rapidly over the past 12 months, making my life increasingly difficult. This impacts my daily life massively.

My MS has become very active and aggressive. Walking 50 metres I lose the ability to walk properly and I’m constantly tripping over and losing my balance. I have to sit down to put my underwear / socks on, I struggle all the time with the back of my bras, with zips, buttons, washing, doing my hair, climbing the stairs, climbing into and out of the bath, holding cutlery, a pen, a glass and brushing my teeth. I experience severe fatigue. The list is endless.

I have spasms throughout my lower back and legs which sometimes can be painful. I have pins and needles and burning sensations regularly!! I have had times I haven’t been able to walk, spent time in the hospital. My latest relapse happened to my right arm and hand (dominant side). It is now numb and lacks 80% of feeling.

My left side is also now experiencing similar symptoms.

MS has stopped me from enjoying the things I once took for granted, and the physical and psychological effects of this are hugely debilitating making me feel inadequate, stressed, frustrated and upset.

I’m not able to work, make an income or do the things I used to enjoy which is really heartbreaking. I have always been a fit, healthy individual and played sport all my life. I played for Leeds Utd ladies for numerous years as a striker and enjoyed very much and made lifelong friends along the way. I am a massive Liverpool supporter! I used to go the gym 4 times a week and also play badminton.

I am existing but I want to live.

I am currently on the infusion treatment called Tysabri after finding out Tecfidera wasn’t working after three years. This treatment if it does take effect will only slow my illness down it will not make it or me any better. My Ms is very active and aggressive right now and I do not want to just sit around and wait for attack after attack to happen, for my body to deteriorate further and further.

I NEED YOUR HELP TO ACCESS LIFE-CHANGING TREATMENT!

I need to raise £50,000 which will cover the cost of travelling to Mexico and undergoing the 30 day in-patient HSCT treatment at the Clinic and the drugs I will need to bring back with me to ensure on-going infection control.

YOU CAN HELP ME TO ACCESS LIFE-CHANGING TREATMENT!

HSCT treatment has given me real hope of beating MS for good!

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) effectively ‘re-boots’ the immune system, essentially 'restoring the factory settings' and halts any further progress of this awful disease, and STOPS MS IN IT'S TRACKS.

It is a ground-breaking treatment, which uses the patient's own harvested stem cells following a high dose of chemotherapy. This may seem drastic, but HSCT treatment has been proven in clinical trials to STOP DISEASE ACTIVITY in over 80% of patients with active, MS, such as myself. Sadly this treatment is only available to a very select few on the NHS, and is unlikely to become more widely available until further clinical trials have taken place, which will be over the next few years. I do not have years to STOP MS.

I REALLY CANNOT HAVE THIS LIFE-CHANGING TREATMENT WITHOUT YOUR HELP!

This is without exaggeration, the biggest challenge I have ever faced in my life, and I would welcome the chance with open arms to regain my life back, to walk, to run, to do my own hair just do all the normal things that I once took for granted.

All that is left to say is a huge THANK YOU from the very bottom for of my heart for giving me the chance to get my life back. I’m truly grateful

For additional information on MS please visit the MS society page:

https://www.mssociety.org.uk/about-ms/what-is-ms

If you would like to ask any additional questions please do not hesitate