Medical Assistance for Tricia

Hi, my name is Zach Carr and I am fundraising for my sister, Tricia Wilbanks. Tricia is faced with something that cannot be done alone and she would appreciate any help you can provide. My sister was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 19 and has fought this horrible disease for the last 21 years of her life. With recent advances in science, she has decided to travel to Panama to receive Stem Cell Therapy. Stem cell therapy is the only thing available that can potentially eliminate the side effects of MS and stop any further progression. This means Tricia will have a chance to get rid of her current side effects and have a future that is essentially MS “free.” This is an amazing opportunity to change her future and re-write some of the past. This therapy is very expensive, but she is willing to try anything at this point. Clinical studies show that stem cell therapy improves MS symptoms in roughly 73% of patients and disease progression is completely halted in roughly 60%.

 

Tricia’s story:

Flashback to the year 2000. Tricia had just finished her freshman year at Bowling Green University and had come to Florida for a visit. During her visit, she became very ill with uncontrollable vomiting and the inability to move or open her eyes without causing vomiting. After a visit to the ER and lots of questions from the ER staff, the doctor diagnosed her with vertigo. A few days later, Tricia’s symptoms had improved just enough to get her on a flight back home to Dayton. Two weeks, several doctor/hospital visits later, and still bed ridden, the decision was made to go to Miami Valley Hospital ER. Tricia was quickly admitted, and the team of doctors began running numerous tests. Once a head and neck CT scan was done and the doctor examined the results, she heard the doctor say…. “we think Tricia has MS.” At this point, Tricia went downhill very quickly and spent several weeks in the ICU.

Fast forward 21 years: Tricia had been giving herself weekly IM (intramuscular) shots and now gets monthly infusions to try and control the MS. An “episode” is caused by inflammation in the central nervous system, and it slows or disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses. For example, while in college her entire right side of her body went numb, making it very difficult to write or hold a pen. To help relieve the symptoms of an episode, steroids are usually prescribed. These steroids have their own consequences. One consequence resulted in a total hip replacement. With each episode, there is no guarantee that your body will ever fully recover. Some of the daily symptoms Tricia takes on every day are horrible balance, walking with a limp due to hip replacement, and taking medication for energy, just to name a few.

 

This horrible disease that has no cure has taken its toll on Tricia. She is so courageous and strong and deserves to have the chance at living a normal adult life. Tricia and her family are so grateful for your support!