Jerry’s Journey to Fight Progressive MS
On 4/12/18 after a 8-10 month episode of worsening balance and gait instability, Jerry Schillaci was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS). This chronic disease causes progressive breakdown to the central nervous system which interferes with the brain’s ability to control the body. As the title of the condition indicates, this disease is progressive leading to worsening levels of irreversible disability over time.
The path of MS for Jerry has already required an early retirement from a 17 year career with McHenry Township Fire Protection District as a Firefighter and Paramedic, which was one of the hardest things Jerry has had to do. Being a Firefighter & Paramedic was more than a job for Jerry, it was a calling. Since the 4th grade Jerry daydreamed of being a Firefighter as his 4th grade teacher was a volunteer Firefighter in Johnsburg. For Jerry, being a FF / medic meant he was able to be a part of helping someone on their worst day. To anyone who had the honor to work with Jerry on the MTFPD, knew that he was truly exceptional at what he did. Jerry’s passion & energy was at a level few have the privilege of witnessing in their entire professional careers. Jerry’s bedside manner was always genuine and heartfelt. Although Jerry can no longer safely work as a Firefighter / Paramedic with MS, he continues to work part time as a Public Educator for the Fire department, as a full time Supervisor of Allocation and Perfusion Services for Gift of Hope.
As a father to two boys, Evan (14) & Anthony (11), it is Jerry’s goal to walk into the gym for both of his son’s school graduations. Unfortunately, over the last year and a half since being diagnosed the course of Jerry’s MS has progressed much faster than he ever expected, despite being on the only current prescription treatment available in US for Primary Progressive MS, Ocrevus. Frustratingly, Ocrevus is only clinically shown to slow the progression of MS by 30 %. This is when Jerry found an article in the Journal of Hematology that mentioned that stem cell transplants were being completed for Primary Progressive MS, outside the USA, w/ a 78% response rate of either stabilization or improvement in disability in those with PPMS. 78% stop or improvement in progression of symptoms. Clinics in Russia & Mexico have the best success with the lowest mortality.
Clinica Ruiz is a medical facility in Mexico that offers stem cell transplants for Primary Progressive MS. Clinica Ruiz is FACT-JACIE accredited which is the highest accreditation in the world for stem cell transplant facilities. Dr. Ruiz was Mayo Clinic’s Distinguished Alumni of the Year in 2011 and has done the largest clinical trial in the world to date. They have enrolled more than 800 patients vs Northwestern’s trial which less than 300 patients.
The stem cell treatment requires a multiple step 29 day treatment course in Mexico. The cost of the stem cell transplant is not covered by traditional medical insurance given the clinic is out of the USA. In total, the stem cell transplant will cost Jerry & Audra $54,500 + Audra’s time off of work while she helps Jerry during his treatment.
This go fund me, as well as a fundraiser event, have been organized is to help raise funds to off set the costs for a stem cell transplant for progressive MS. This is our opportunity to help our friend as he fights MS.
Fundraiser: Saturday, April 25th. Countryside Banquets, Lakemoor.
https://www.hsctmexico.com/ms_landing.php?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIruv78Yvz5gIVx0XVCh0zwQJLEAAYASAAEgJDlPD_BwE