Gosport woman’s world “shattered” with devastating news of debilitating illness
Woman has launched fundraiser to receive life-changing medication
A 34-year-old woman’s world was “shattered” when she was delivered the devastating news she had a debilitating illness.
Billie Shuter was recently diagnosed with highly active Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).
The Gosport woman said the diagnosis came “completely out of the blue, shattering my world”.
She said: “I’m 34, with no other health issues or even warnings that this was lurking. The terror I have felt over the last eight weeks has been indescribable. The thought that my life as I knew it has been taken away from me and I could experience disabling symptoms at any time is absolutely terrifying.”
Despite the blow, Billie started looking at options for treatment available for the disease that currently has no cure. “The NHS offers only medication that slows the progression of the disease. However, there is a treatment called HSCT which involves an intense four-week procedure to ‘re-boot’ your immune system,” she said.
“Whilst it is not guaranteed, it can halt the progression of the disease and prevent any relapses for years to come. This treatment is not available to me on the NHS, despite me being one of the most suitable candidates. The sooner I can have the treatment the better. My chances of success are around 80%.
“So I’m resorting to what I really don’t like doing; asking for help. The private treatment is provided in a world leading clinic in Mexico and is very costly at a total of £55,000 including flights.”
After setting up a GoFundMe to raise £55,000 Billie has so far collected over £4,000. She added: “So if you can spare anything at all, I would be eternally grateful. And please don’t worry if you can’t, a share on social media would be a great help.
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all of your support, it means more than you’ll ever know.”
To donate go to: www.gofundme.com/f/life-changing-ms-treatment