Patricia Villa's Stem Cell Therapy Quest

I was at home three years ago, when I was 27 years old, having a typical day when overwhelming exhaustion consumed me out of nowhere. I laid down and told my mom I didn't feel right; something was wrong. My parents took me to the hospital. By the time I arrived at the hospital, I could no longer move. I don't remember much after arriving at the hospital. All I know is that I stopped breathing on my own, and I was placed on life support. When I woke up from my coma, I found myself trached with a feeding tube and a ventilator. The doctor told me that I had a blood clot in my spinal cord. I never thought a healthy person could become a quadriplegic without an injury or disease. They said I would never get better and that the damage was permanent. Well, I defeated the odds.

I have come a long way in my recovery with many prayers and hard work. After years of rehabilitation, I have hit a plateau. I am still dependent on the ventilator, and I cannot move my upper body. With assistance, I can walk. I can speak and eat even. Even though I cannot breathe or move my upper body, I can wiggle my fingers. If I can wiggle my fingers, there is a connection, which means it might be fixable.     My primary doctor told me about stem cell therapy and how he believes it would benefit me greatly. I consulted with a stem cell therapy group, and they said I am an excellent candidate and would love to help me. The cost of the therapy itself is outside of what my family or I can tackle.
So here I am, asking for the help of my fellow human beings. I may never be 100% again but regaining my ability to breathe on my own and move my arms would be lifesaving and is my quest.

I have always been private with my personal life. Sharing my story with the world is intimidating. Well, guys, here I am. I have always been an adventurous and free-spirited woman that loved to travel. Before my spinal cord injury, I flew to Honduras, South Africa and Mexico. I was the makeup/stylist for an upcoming film star, singer and model. I thrive on the energy of creating beauty and helping others see their beauty.

Many of the people who have taken care of me through the years have all commented on how positive I am. I choose to be positive and thankful for my care and for being alive at all. I have my bad days. I have cried many times out of frustration that I can't scratch my nose or brush my teeth. I remind myself that it could've been worse when I have those days. I don't like what's happened to me, but what's being angry going to do for me or my healing?
I believe with my whole heart that I will get better with the help of stem cell therapy. I will never give up hope that one day I will be able to help others as I have been helped. I thank everyone for their support. I will give updates as they happen. Once I reach my financial goal here on gofundme.com I will be able to begin this amazing quest to recovery! God bless you!