HSCT Stem Cell Transplant and Chemo for MS

My name is Chuck, and my wife is Karla, the pretty one in the photo. Karla was diagnosed with Primary Progress Multiple Sclerosis in February 2021. It took about ten years to diagnose because MS can be among the most difficult of all diseases because of the bewildering number of symptoms it causes and the multiple ways it can present. With Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), only one medication is known to help slow down the progression, Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), given by infusion two times a year. Ocrevus can not cure PPMS, but it can slow down the progression. Since Karla has been taking Ocrevus, her symptoms have gotten worse. However, she has not had any new lesions on her brain or spine. There have been clinical trials in the United States using HSCT Stem Cell transplants with chemotherapy. Karla did not qualify for this trial because of her age, the facility wanted patients under 50 years old, and Karla is 56 years young. My wife researched and found a place in Mexico that has done HSCT stem cell transplants on at least 900 patients. The results have been remarkable; most of the research shows remission. Many patients report fewer symptoms and very few report that their symptoms got worse. At this time, HSCT is the ONLY hope for Karla to go into remission or even to get rid of some symptoms (which are debilitating). Karla used to love to bowl, play horseshoes, cornhole and enjoy herself out in the sunshine. With PPMS, Karla's symptoms worsen if she gets hot or overheated, and her legs will not hold her up anymore. She has a lot of walking and standing issues. She uses a rollator for short distances because it has a seat so she can rest. Karla has a scooter for longer distances. At this time, she cannot walk through a grocery store to shop; she must use a scooter. Walking is what Karla is hoping to get back with this treatment. She has five grandkids and one on the way, and she wants to be able to play with them, hold them and be a part of their lives. Karla's right side has been affected by MS. HSCT Stem Cell Transplants can help her regain the feeling on the right side of her body and help with the many other symptoms that come with MS. It is tough for me to see her feel miserable, knowing that I can't fix her. The place we have found that will accept her even with her age is Clinica Ruiz in Mexico. They have two facilities, one in Pebuleo and one in Monterrey. Our medical insurance does not cover this, and we will have to pay cash. The cost for the transplant is $54,500 u.s. Karla will need to be in Mexico for 28 days, and she will need a caregiver for the 28 days, so being her husband, I am more than glad to help her, but that also means that neither one of us will be working for the month and our bills still need to be paid. We are asking for your support to help us fund the medical procedure that Karla will need. Karla is currently set for September 26, 2022, for the Monterrey location. We both ask for any help you can give to support her in this endeavor. We invite you to share this with everyone you know who could help. Thank you all, and God Bless.