|
|
|
National Foundation of Transplants
1999-2000 Annual Report
David Hassenpflug
Dave Hassenpflug, father of two boys ages 7 and 10, was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1991 at the age of 25. Over the next 8 years the disease worsened and Dave slowly lost the use of his legs, relying first on a walker and later a wheelchair. He learned that stem cell transplants were taking place as a promising new treatment for the degenerative disease, but because the treatment is experimental it would not be covered by insurance. Dave needed to come up with $100,000 to pay for it, including $60,000 for a deposit before the transplant could take place.
Family and friends from throughout Oregon and California volunteered for his NFT campaign, organizing major fund raising events, selling NFT cookbooks and candy, and diligently soliciting contributions at every opportunity. They raised the deposit needed within five months, and Dave underwent the risky procedure at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California in May of 2000. He describes the experience (heavy doses of chemotherapy and radiation followed by the infusion of stem cells) as "16 days on the dark side of the moon," but says unequivocally "it was worth it." Both he and his doctors are very pleased with his progress, and much of the pain of MS he earlier suffered is gone. "I'm stronger and more capable every day, and I've been told the improvements will continue in almost three month increments," he says.
|
|||
