Our Mexican Camino: Ending MS and Finding New Life: June 8, 2017: Day +199

Thursday, June 8, 2017

June 8, 2017: Day +199

Trixie

Doug had a follow-up doctor's appointment this afternoon. For the most part his doctor is really pleased with his progress. His heart rate is under control again with medication. We talked about the cause for his heart rate problem. She decided to schedule an echo cardiogram and depending on the results from that test she will decide if she needs to refer him to a cardiologist. I feel good with this plan. I really want to find out the reason for his heart rate being high.

After the doctor's appointment we went to the pet store to get Trixie some dog food and treats. You can tell we are really hoping that we will be bringing her home. We now have a new collar for her, treats, dog food and a new crate that we put together tonight. I cleaned up Stryder's dishes and a. few toys. She will a basket of things to play with. I brought in a dog bed and put it in the living room for her. The dog bed was only a couple of months old when Stryder passed away. I think it will work just fine for her. Our daughter-in-law's dad Chris, posted today that their young weimaraner still thinks that the world is her chew toy. Chris is the one who started us with weimaraners. Being a little more experienced now with weimaraners, I am really hoping that we are well prepared. Of course we will not be a bit surprised by any behaviors she may have, after all she is a weimaraner!
But we can't wait to meet her.

Later this afternoon, we returned many items to the Knights of Columbus that Doug is no longer using. We are so grateful for their help. It was wonderful to be able to return items, because it is more evidence of how far Doug has come. It was also nice that Doug could go with me to return the items. He had not been there and had only heard me talk about it.

Looking forward to tomorrow, we pray:

God with us, we are thankful for having a wonderful doctor, that cares deeply for Doug. We are grateful to have her support on this journey. And we are delighted and filled with anticipation looking forward to getting a new dog and hoping that it is Trixie. And we are most thankful for the ministry of the Knights of Columbus, who by their generosity, they have helped Doug to progress. Be with us now and give us patience as the healing continues and as we wait for a new dog to come into our lives. 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!

Thursday, June 8, 2017

June 8, 2017: Day +199

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