HSCT to stop Multiple Sclerosis

Hi, my name is Anna Mosca, and I live in Maine with my husband and two children.  I had my own successful business at www.littlebrowndogsgrooming.com.  My entire family's life changed in December of 2021 when I went from having a couple of numb fingers to being unable to walk in my own home without a cane within a week-long period. My entire left side went numb and weak; my hands felt like the bones in my fingers were going to break out of the end of my fingertips. My left leg was so weak I spent the month moving from my couch to the bathroom with a cane or assistance. I had to close my business, which is still shut down, as I am unable to work due to physical challenges and extreme fatigue. 

A month later,  I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). This was just a few months ago in January of 2022. I was initially treated with steroids to bring my inflammation down and am currently taking a disease-modifying treatment called Ocrevus.   It slows down MS, but does not stop it.   With MS, because the disease uses your own immune system to attack your brain, central nervous system and the nerve shielding called myelin,  most people become physically and cognitively disabled.

 

At this time, there is no cure for MS; however, there is a "stop" for it available through a procedure called HSCT. This is a medical procedure where they wipe out your immune system using chemotherapy and reboot it, using stem cells from your own blood.   It does not require a donor or use any umbilical stem cells or those from babies. It is available here in the U.S., but only if you meet very specific requirements for the clinical trial, and even then, you may not be able to receive it. It has been approved in limited cases by the NHS in Great Britian, is available by clinical trial in the US, Canada and Australia and it is performed in Italy, Israel, many Asian countries and Russia.

In total, including airfare and food, I have estimated a cost of traveling to Clinica Ruiz in Mexico at $60,000 ($54,500 + travel for one month for myself and my care person.  My mom has said she would go with me, so my children and pets can stay home with my husband. 

https://www.hsctmexico.com/index.php?lng=eng

I have $10,000 of my own, but I need help paying for the other $50,000.   My husband is a teacher and we are not wealthy. I am now unemployed and have not been able to receive disability at this time.   We have two children, both with their own health issues that they are currently being treated for.

 

The photo above is my family three years before I was diagnosed. Everything has fallen apart. Every day I wake up not knowing how much time I have left before I can't walk, can't think clearly, can't be a mother to my children.  HSCT is the same treatment that actor Selma Blair had done and was highlighted in her film "Introducing Selma Blair" I would like this same chance before it is too late.

Please consider following me on Facebook where I have just started Journaling about having MS and this new adventure.   My page is under Anna Mosca and I will add you :).

I set the goal back to 30,000, because when we reach half way, I will video my chemo haircut in preparation of losing my hair.  I have been accepted at Clinica Ruiz and hope to have this done in the summer of 2023.

 Thank you,
Anna, Jason, Lyssa and Phinn