HSCT FOR HOPE

Chemo + Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Bone Marrow stem cell transplantation)

www.hsctforhope.com

Andrew first noticed symptoms of MS back in 2001 when he was 21, but wasn’t diagnosed until 2006. The diagnosis came two weeks after Andrew and Marie got engaged, robbing them of what should have been a happy time.

Andrew describes the diagnosis as someone taking your hope for a future away and replacing it with fear of what might be as MS can leave you in a wheelchair or even bedridden.

Over the years Andrew’s symptoms have become worse to the point where Andrew has just had to resign from the job he loved so much. The timing has been cruel, as they have a newborn son, Samuel, and this latest turn of events means that Marie is having to go back to work early to provide financially for the family.

Andrew has tried every avenue to reverse the onset of MS, but nothing has worked, Chemotherapy and stem cell treatment (HSCT) is their last resort, their final attempt to live a life free of MS. Chemo + HSCT has shown results of 80-90%  success in stopping the progression of MS , and possibly even reversing its effects. Unfortunately this treatment is not yet funded in NZ and will cost them $200,000.

Marie and Andrew long for a better future without the fear of what Andrew’s body might do from one day to the next, HSCT gives them hope for the future. A future where they have a chance of doing the things that most families take for granted, like going to the beach on a warm summers day without the stress of Andrew over-heating and facing the humiliation of his body not functioning properly.  Victory would be going back to the job he loves and providing for his family again.