Our Mexican Camino: Ending MS and Finding New Life: February 14, 2017: Day +87

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

February 14, 2017: Day +87

It is the middle of February and it is Valentine's Day. A day to celebrate love. How much better does that get? Granted we should celebrate love everyday, but like everything else, sometimes we need special reminders of what is important.

I went to work today, feeling much better than yesterday. The fever left me yesterday afternoon and with some decongestant and cough suppressant I am doing pretty well. At noon, I got a call from Doug, wishing me a Happy Valentine's Day. Pretty sweet considering he had to get someone to call me and hold the phone for him. That is enough of a Valentine's present. Perfect. On the way home from work I stopped and picked up Doug a Valentine balloon and a box of chocolates. I could not let the day go without a little remembrance. I also bought chocolates and brownies for the Vibra staff for the care they have provided Doug with me not being there. I stopped by the hospital, sanitized and put on my mask and took Doug the gifts. I have not seen him since Friday. He was really glad to see me. I hope and pray my mask kept all my germs contained. It was good to have a few minutes to enjoy a little Valentine's celebration.

Upon entering Doug's room, I saw that he had Valentine cookies and Valentine cards from friends who stayed with him today. It was so sweet to know that Doug had been able to celebrate the day with others. Thank you so much Jane, Jerry and Jan!

More good news, Doug was able to bring his right hand to his mouth. Jerry said that he tried to pick up the cookie and eat it. He is not quite there yet, but almost. It won't be long. He can now bring his left hand to his chest. I was just thrilled.

Since I am still trying to recover, I am going to keep this short. I hope that all who read this blog, took some time to celebrate Valentine's Day. Please know that Doug and I both wish all who follow our blog a very Happy and blessed Valentine's Day.

And so we pray;

God, source of all that is good; God, from whom all love comes; open our hearts, stretch our imaginations, and guard us from our fear so we may catch a glimpse of the power of your love. Teach us to rest in that love and be recreated in it. And as we are filled, help us to carry that love to others. In your name we ask it. Amen.

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About Doug

Fr. Doug Yarbrough was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008. Although judging from his MRI scans he probably had it for many years prior to his diagnosis. Since the diagnosis he has experienced continuous progression of the disease resulting in more and more disability.

Today he is dependent on an electric wheelchair to get around outside of his home. At home he uses a walker to walk short distances. His eyes loose focus easily and he cannot read. This is difficult for someone who has always been a voracious reader and life long learner. He experiences extreme fatigue. Most days it is all he can do to just take care of his own personal needs. We are grateful he can do that and fear the day that he will loose these skills. But with the progression of this disease that day may not be far off.

This is not the person Fr. Doug has always been. Many will remember him as an active member of his family, church, community and state. He is an ordained priest in the Episcopal Church. As a priest and community leader he has been a passionate crusader working on behalf of the poor, the abused, the homeless and minorities. He has been a husband, a father and a grandfather. He has always been the person who helps others.

Fr. Doug is a learner and believes in education to serve the common good. He has a B.A. in Education and Philosophy, a Master's in Counseling and a Master's in Religion. He has a doctorate in Educational Psychology. His education nurtured his thirst for learning, to make God known to the world and to serve others in the example of Christ. His favorite Bible passage is from Micah 6:8. In the New English Language Version of the Bible it reads "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" These words have framed his work in the church and the world.

In 2005 he was awarded the Canyon County Humanitarian Award for his contributions, care and concern for the most needy and marginalized people in Canyon County. He chaired the Nampa Shelter Coalition board and was on this board for many years. He also served for many years on the Nampa Family Justice Center and the Idaho State Domestic Violence Boards. He founded the Open Arms Baby Boutique in Nampa. This is a resource center for low-income women. The women earn points for prenatal and postnatal check-ups. They may then trade the points in for diapers, baby clothes, furniture, etc. He was on the "Success by Six" Treasure Valley committee. Fr. Doug served on the Mercy Hospital Ethics Board. All this he did while pastoring a church and serving on many church boards and committees.

After many years of service, Fr. Doug is now in need of your help. He is in the fight of his life to stop the progression of this horribly debilitating disease. Up until now, there has been little hope, but upon returning from a pilgrimage of prayer for healing we learned of a new stem cell treatment that some are calling a cure. This treatment is HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant). Using this treatment the patient's own stem cells are harvested, then the patient's immune system is killed using chemotherapy and then the patient's own stem cells are transplanted back into their body. It works similarly to a reboot of a computer. The immune system is being rebooted. This treatment is in Clinical Trials in the United States, but in other places in the world it is being used as a treatment for MS. Worldwide data shows that more than 80% of MS patients receiving this treatment see an end to the progression of the disease and many see a reversal in disability. The brain is able to heal from the bodies own attacks on the myelin insulating sheath around that surrounds nerve fibers

Unfortunately HSCT treatment is expensive and not yet covered by insurance. To get this treatment he will have to travel outside of the country. To help pay for this treatment family and friends of Father Doug are raising money to help pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with HSCT (HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT) to halt the progression of his Multiple Sclerosis. We don’t have time to wait for Clinical Trials in the US. Fr. Doug is rapidly progressing in disability from this disease. We have to act now if we are to save and hopefully improve the quality of Fr. Doug’s life. We have a goal of October 15, 2016 to raise all the money needed. This is the earliest possible date that the treatment may be available.

Fr. Doug has chosen to fund-raise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay for unreimbursed medically related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you and God Bless you for your help!

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

February 14, 2017: Day +87

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