Justin's India Stem Cell Treatment
Donation protected
I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) in 2012, when I was 32 years old. This is a degenerative disease that has robbed me of many abilities, both physical and mental. I used to live a very active lifestyle, doing a job I loved. I was a commercial diver, spending hours a day underwater. I traveled all over the southeast. Unfortunately, I had to "retire" in 2014 at the age of 34 years old. My disease progressed rapidly from an unsteady walk, to needing a cane, and now using a walker. I have tried the "big gun" medications to no avail, including the newest medication, approved March 2017. The medications have not had any noticeable effect. If the MS continues to progress at the same rate I will be in a wheelchair next year and soon I will be unable to care for myself on a basic level.
There is a procedure, not offered in the U.S. It's called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or HSCT. It's a complicated procedure, using chemo therapy and harvested stem cells to "re-boot" the immune system. After a lot of research we have decided to go to India for this treatment. The procedure requires Candice and I to spend a month in a specialized hospital in Delhi, equipped to treat patients with no immune system. We scheduled the procedure and will arrive in India June15th, 2018.
When we return from India I will have a very weak immune system. I will have to stay in a clean room at home for a little while. I will have my blood work checked every two weeks. Gradually, as my immune system strengthens, I will be able to leave the room more and then the house. After six months I will have to start receiving immunizations, just like a baby.
To help with any possible germs entering the clean area, we are converting a closet into a basic bathroom. This will be adjoining the clean room, eliminating the need to move around the house unnecessarily. It is difficult and dangerous for me to use the tub/shower we have currently. The bathroom will be fitted with the ADA grab bars and special sink necessary for a person with disabilities.
With this treatment I should see a halt to the progression and it should even give my body a chance to repair some of the damage MS has caused. Just small improvements would ease the burden on Candice, family, and friends, and significantly improve the quality of my life. I would love to be able to drive a car again one day and regain my independence. I hope to be able to have a job again. I would love to be able to help others in need. I hope to be able to make plans to have fun. I see this treatment as hope.
We need to raise enough money to cover the costs of the procedure, the flights, the clean room/bathroom, Candice being out of work for a month, passports, visas, travel insurance, follow up blood work, immunization shots, and whatever else comes up.
We didn't know at first if this treatment was something that was even possible for us to do. However, we have experienced such generosity and kindness from people we know and even people we don't know. We now realize that with everyone's help and support that we can do this. So, in advance, thank you, thank you, thank you. We won't ever be able to say it enough, thank you.
Justin Smart
There is a procedure, not offered in the U.S. It's called hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or HSCT. It's a complicated procedure, using chemo therapy and harvested stem cells to "re-boot" the immune system. After a lot of research we have decided to go to India for this treatment. The procedure requires Candice and I to spend a month in a specialized hospital in Delhi, equipped to treat patients with no immune system. We scheduled the procedure and will arrive in India June15th, 2018.
When we return from India I will have a very weak immune system. I will have to stay in a clean room at home for a little while. I will have my blood work checked every two weeks. Gradually, as my immune system strengthens, I will be able to leave the room more and then the house. After six months I will have to start receiving immunizations, just like a baby.
To help with any possible germs entering the clean area, we are converting a closet into a basic bathroom. This will be adjoining the clean room, eliminating the need to move around the house unnecessarily. It is difficult and dangerous for me to use the tub/shower we have currently. The bathroom will be fitted with the ADA grab bars and special sink necessary for a person with disabilities.
With this treatment I should see a halt to the progression and it should even give my body a chance to repair some of the damage MS has caused. Just small improvements would ease the burden on Candice, family, and friends, and significantly improve the quality of my life. I would love to be able to drive a car again one day and regain my independence. I hope to be able to have a job again. I would love to be able to help others in need. I hope to be able to make plans to have fun. I see this treatment as hope.
We need to raise enough money to cover the costs of the procedure, the flights, the clean room/bathroom, Candice being out of work for a month, passports, visas, travel insurance, follow up blood work, immunization shots, and whatever else comes up.
We didn't know at first if this treatment was something that was even possible for us to do. However, we have experienced such generosity and kindness from people we know and even people we don't know. We now realize that with everyone's help and support that we can do this. So, in advance, thank you, thank you, thank you. We won't ever be able to say it enough, thank you.
Justin Smart
Organizer
Justin Smart
Organizer
Salisbury, NC