Jade’s Life Changing Ms HSCT #highlandMSwarrior

Hi Everyone!

My Name is Jade, I live in the Highlands of Scotland, i'm 38 and a single mum to 2 beautiful children aged 10 and 7.

In Feb 2021 I got the devastating diagnosis of MS. Before my diagnosis, I was a healthy mum, regularly going to the gym, weight lifting and constantly on the go with my two children. I worked full-time as a beautician and loved to be around friends.

My diagnosis came like a sledgehammer. It all started in 2020 around lockdown with Covid and progressed fast. Since being diagnosed, I have lost my mobility and struggle to walk more than 15-20mtrs without any aid. Both feet have dropped, and I have tingling, pins/needles and pain in both legs. In addition, I suffer from extreme fatigue, brain fog, and speech issues, and my back is in pain and often struggles to hold me up. 

I am forever optimistic about doctors finding a cure for this disease. But, unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful with the treatments offered. Currently, I have just started Ocrevus to see if it will slow down the progression. However this drug comes with many risks including the risk of getting cancer or Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) a disease that attacks my brain. 

I have done much-needed research on HSCT treatment and have knowledge of others that have undergone the treatment. HSCT is a stem cell treatment that removes stem cells from my body and hits me hard with a chemo drug. However, the healthy cells are stored safely and reintroduced to my body after chemo. My immune system will be restarted, making me very vulnerable to infections. Treatment will require me to be in Mexico for a month without physical contact with my children. Yes, I could lose my hair etc., but it's a small price to pay for any of my mobility and health back.

Therefore this brings me to my JustGiving page to ask everyone possible to help make my dreams come true and STOP this MS from taking my mobility and life anymore.

I want to walk on the beach or in the forest with my kids again! Or walk to the park or go for a picnic without my mobility stopping me. HSCT will allow me to slow the progression of my disease and possibly restore some damaged cells.

PLEASE help me fundraise as much as possible for this, anything will help.... I would be so grateful to have some life back to enjoy with my children while they are still young.

I thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Much love

Jade xox