Oshkosh woman halfway to her fundraising goal for stem-cell transplant for MS
OSHKOSH – With fewer than 60 days to go until she begins advanced stem-cell treatment for multiple sclerosis, Oshkosh’s Kelly Kinney has raised $31,590 toward a $60,000 goal to help fund the treatment and related travel expenses.
Kinney has been raising funds with the help of nonprofit Help Hope Live. The effort kicked off in May with a local “Strike Out MS” fundraiser at Rev’s Bowl Bar & Grill and has continued online through a giving portal at https://helphopelive.org/campaign/21508/. All donations are tax-deductible.
While the treatment is getting nearer, Kinney will be able to continue raising funds as long as she needs, said Emily Progin, a content manager for Help Hope Live. Kinney is, however, aiming to raise as much as possible prior to the start of her treatment as she will begin making payments to the stem-cell transplant clinic Sept. 1.
“Now is the time to donate,” Kinney said.
In addition to the online fundraiser, some of Kinney’s friends who hold an annual golf outing also selected Help Hope Live in Kinney’s honor and raised more than $3,800.
Another friend donated her airline miles to cover the flights for Kinney and her caregiver, Progin said.
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Kinney has also uploaded a video to help people learn about her journey. The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtJpYT10NXw.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life!” Kinney said.
Kinney was diagnosed with transverse myelitis five years ago. Her immune system is overactive and attacks healthy myelin protecting the nerves in her spinal cord.
More than a year ago, her diagnosis changed to multiple sclerosis.
An autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplant is her best chance at stopping further progression of the disease. If left unchecked, her condition could lead to permanent paralysis.
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HSCT consists of stem cell extraction from bone marrow, chemotherapy to wipe out the immune system, reintroduction of stem cells and up to a year of recovery. It is a 28-day process and is not covered by insurance.
Kinney will also have travel expenses for her and her caregiver related to the HSCT.
People can continue to give to Kinney’s fund through her Help Hope Live page. For more about the nonprofit Help Hope Live, call 800-642-8399 or go to helphopelive.org.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh woman with MS continues raising funds for stem cell transplant
