By Frank Lewis
It was a cool day in September of 1999, when a loving wife and mother of two, Susan Ross, had her world flipped upside down.
Her family physician began with “you better have a lot of money” as he delivered the devastating diagnosis. The results of the MRI on her brain and an excruciating spinal tap revealed that she had Multiple Sclerosis. Little did she know how much this disease would eventually take from her, or that she may never walk again. She sat speechless, clutching the hand of her husband, as she tried to absorb what her physician had just told her. As time went on, she would learn that things were actually worse than she could imagine. Susan would eventually discover that she has the most debilitating form of MS, Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS)
Now, Susan has been presented with a truly incredible opportunity to receive an amniotic fluid stem cell transplant. It is a promising therapeutic resource for cell-based regenerative therapy. The opportunity can significantly slow down the progression of the disease and repair nerve damage. However, financially the opportunity is currently out of Susan’s reach. The treatment would require a total of four transplants. Also, since the treatment provider is over 1,000 miles away, she also needs assistance with the cost of travel and lodging. Finally, extensive physical therapy will be needed upon completion of the transplants.
Thursday there will be a benefit concert from 7-9 p.m. at the Living With a Cause Theater (next to the Wheelersburg Cinema) to help raise money for Susan’s procedure. Admission is free and they will be taking donations inside. There will be concessions inside as well. The concert will feature singing, a keyboard player, and a monologue.
Ross’s daughter, Cally Rachelle said those involved in the campaign have already raised approximately $9,000 and said “I hope everyone will stand for Susan.”
Reach Frank Lewis at 740-353-3101, ext. 1928, or on Twitter @franklewis.
