Our Mexican Camino: Ending MS and Finding New Life: March 17, 2017: Day +117

Friday, March 17, 2017

March 17, 2017: Day +117

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Happy St. Patrick's Day. Usually I plan a big celebration. This year, I just can't get into it I am sorry to say. I am too preoccupied. This morning I spent paying bills and finishing an application for VA assistance for Aid and Attentive Care for Doug. I met with people at the VA last week and they referred me to a specialist to meet with this week. After a couple of hours at the VA I learned we would not qualify with our assets and we don't meet the requirements for medical benefits because we make to much money. The only way we will qualify is if and when we use all of our 401K and other assetts.

Then I went to visit Doug. He was finishing his OT. His OT still wants to do a home inspection. I said OK but I am not sure what they can tell us. Interesting she is going to have Norco bring a Hoyer Lift because they cannot use the one in our home I just bought because it is used. Now I am not sure why we are going to borrow one to use in our home for the inspection ??? but perhaps someone understands.

After visiting Doug I went to the pet hospital again. Stryder is not eating and very lethargic. His cardiologist has more medication for him to stop the nausea he may be experiencing an increase his appetite. My only problem is that he does not want to take the mediation not matter what trick I try. he is being very stubborn.

Tonight I took Doug dinner. I had put some corn beef, cabbage and potatoes in the crock pot. He loved having a bit of celebration. I also snuck in a Guinness for us to split and toast our beloved St. Patrick. I love St. Patrick and love reflecting on his life and influence on Ireland. I love being half Irish. And to all my Irish friends, who I know don't celebrate St. Patrick's day as much as American, please send me your recommendations for better ways to honor the beloved St. Patrick and next year we will do better!

Tonight we hold up to you precious God, all who are hill, sick or sad. We pray that you will watch over them and make them whole. And on this day we pray in the words of St. Patrick...

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

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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!

Friday, March 17, 2017

March 17, 2017: Day +117

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