Hello.

My name is Aaron Grover.  I am heading to Tel Aviv, Israel to undergo a stem cell transplant (HSCT) to treat my MS on November 2, 2014.  I want to thank my family for supporting me emotionally these last 5 years, and my family and friends who have helped me financially allowing me to secure paymentfor this treatment.  I am forever grateful.

I am a 37 year old male living in Canada, diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS) in 2009.  My main symptoms are general fatigue, muscle spasticity and weakness in both legs (right leg is worse), right hand weakness, and the occasional tingling sensation in my upper back.  My EDSS score is 5.5.

I plan on leaving my MS behind in Israel, and I want to thank Prof. Shimon Slavin for accepting me to receive this treatment.  I also want to thank George Goss, who's very informative blog (http://themscure.blogspot.ca/) served as a starting point for me.  And, I want to thank all of the people in both the HSCT for Autoimmune Diseases and HSCT in Israel Facebook groups.  The information provided there by group members has been very helpful.

I plan on providing regular updates here about my trip/treatment so I can inform my family and friends on how I am doing,provide information for anybody considering this treatment, and keep a personal record of my progress.

Having read the personal accounts of many people who have undergone HSCT for MS, I realize that the treatment is just the beginning of recovery.  Hard work, a positive attitude, and good health habits will be required going forward.

Again, thank you all for your support.

Aaron Grover