Helping each other can make a difference
We help HSCT patients in many ways. Our goal is to provide the assistance needed in order for you to get better.
- Fundraising options/ideas
- Assistance writing GoFundMe pages/blogs
- Insurance/medical travel application and appeals
- One-on-one communication with HSCT veterans
- HSCT Notebook
We need your help
In order to continue our efforts and expand our reach, we depend on the generosity of donors like you. Your donation can make a world of difference in the lives of those who we serve, enabling us to provide vital support and services. By contributing to our organization, you can help us create a brighter future for those suffering from HSCT-treatable autoimmune diseases. Thank you for considering supporting our mission, together we can make a difference!
How to help
Meet Our Team Members
Our dedicated team members are passionate about helping others.
Cassidy V. Chapman
HSCT Stemmie Birthday July 15, 2019 – Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
My name is Cassidy Chapman. I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis during my first year of law school, the day before my 23rd birthday, in early 2004. There were only four DMTs on the market when I was diagnosed, so I was put on the strongest one, Rebif, and always remained on the strongest, most effective DMT for the next 15 years. My MS disabled me in 2015 from practicing law and I ultimately failed a total of five DMTs before I received HSCT at Northwestern Medicine in July of 2019 with Dr. Richard K. Burt. I spent the next two years of recovery devoted to doing everything suggested by doctors and what I could think of so that I could regain as much function as possible. Not only has HSCT stopped my MS, but I have recovered beyond all expectations. I continue to work every day toward my goal of no longer being disabled. After suffering through miserable side effects from DMTs that did not work, I know that HSCT should be a first line treatment for MS and other autoimmune diseases because of its high efficacy rate.
Jenny Angus
HSCT Stemmie Birthday February 17, 2022 – Clinica Ruiz, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Hi, my name is Jenny. I was diagnosed Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2014, after a misdiagnosis in 2004. I was told I have highly aggressive MS.
In my previous life I was very active in different summer and winter sports, a nature lover, and visual artist. I volunteered in different fields of passion. My career centred around rental accommodations of varying capacities, as well as owning my own business.
As background for treatments, I had five types of MS drugs before HSCT. Nothing worked for me and I continued to relapse and decline. As a last ditch effort my family/friends pushed me to try HSCT. It worked, but unfortunately I relapsed @5-6 month and used on B-cell depleters for 2 years. I have been relapse free so far.
My symptoms affect me from neck down with a high degree of sensory dysfunction and pain. My EDSS was quite high before HSCT and I was dependent on a mobility scooter. A few months after HSCT I began to walk short distances and drive again. This was an incredible experience and improved my quality of life immensely. I still need devices for longer distances or bad days.
Yoga and para dressage (equestrian) are my sources for exercise. I feel optimistic of future again.
Personal Blog:
https://ms.jennyangus.com/
Tom Donahue
My name is Tom Donahue. I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in 2003. I only had a couple of symptoms the first ten years, which I handled well with exercise and weight-training. The last ten years have not been as good. My body failed miserably with both Ocrevus and Aubagio. Fortunately, a friend talked about her autoimmune disease and mentioned her research on HSCT. I had HSCT in Puebla, Mexico in July of 2023. Both the care team and the facilities were world class! My only regret is not doing it sooner. I’m convinced that HSCT stopped the progression of my MS and now its up to me to patiently retrain my brain to create new pathways from my brain to the damaged areas so that I can improve my balance and gait issues. Neuroplasticity is remarkable that way! I am a big believer in HSCT as a frontline treatment to address many autoimmune diseases, but especially MS. I live in the Midwest and am honored to be on the board supporting HSCT Hope!
Julie Styers
My name is Julie Styers. I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in October of 2020. Right after the diagnosis, I found an article about HSCT. I decided to start with a DMT first and make lifestyle changes. When that didn’t work and I failed my 4th DMT, Rituxan, I started looking into clinical trials. In January 2023, I applied for Dr. Richard Burt's Clinical trial for HSCT at Scripps in La Jolla California. I completed HSCT in September 2023. I was Scripp’s 2nd patient with MS to receive HSCT. I hope I can use my experience to help others as well as bring awareness to HSCT for those with autoimmune diseases.
