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, Mexico
I was diagnosed Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in 2014, after a misdiagnosis in 2004.
In my previous life, I was very active in different summer / winter sports, nature lover, and a visual artist. I volunteered in different fields of passion. My career centred around rental property management in a large vacation destination.
I had five different MS drugs before HSCT. Nothing worked, and I continued to relapse and decline. As a last ditch effort my family/friends pushed me to try HSCT. It worked! 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 outlets for exercise. I'm also a daily chess player.
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!
Jim Hourican
Jim joined the board in 2025 after providing informal professional guidance early on. He is a fractional Controller and provides accounting services as Principal of Somers Consultants LLC in Chicago, IL. He has been responsible for managing the accounting for a variety of entities, including nonprofits, real estate, art production, retail, services, and product development and sales.
Jim has an MBA from the University of Chicago and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. Having started and operated his own businesses, he brings an entrepreneurial hands-on ownership mentality to all his endeavors. His passion is to assist young and growing organizations in taking their operations to the next level of success in fulfilling their mission.
