In August 2004, Sara Johnson was diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis.
Four years ago, she was running 4 miles a day.
Today, she uses a cane daily.
About a year ago, she started a new medication to help slow the progression of MS. She went from about 150 pounds to 110 pounds.
“I was so weak,” she said. After that medication failed, she began looking for alternatives.
Johnson’s immune system is attacking her central nervous system. But she’s about to undergo an experimental procedure that could change her life.
Doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago are going to try to “reboot” her immune system with a Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplant.
This week, she got her first of five doses of chemotherapy. After that, she will be giving herself daily injections to boost stem cell production.
Next Thursday, doctors will extract the stem cells from her blood. Johnson then will receive four more doses of chemotherapy to nearly wipe out her immune system.
“I told my kids they could shave my hair (when it starts falling out),” she said.
When her immune system is nearly gone, her stem cells will be reintroduced to her body and begin regenerating the new immune system.
The 2001 graduate of Montesano High School has confidence in her doctors’ ability to help her MS.
“I don’t have any (concerns),” Johnson said. “I really, really, really, really don’t have any.”
She has spoken with other people who have undergone this procedure and heard their success stories. Some even hiking for miles when previously they relied on canes to walk across streets.
The procedure costs $125,000. Her insurance, through her husband’s work as a union carpenter, has agreed to pay for a majority of the costs.
Johnson and her husband, Thomas, have four children. To help with the costs, her friends and family are hosting a fundraiser to help cover the costs of the procedure that insurance won’t pay for. The fundraiser is 5-9 p.m. May 11 at the Aberdeen Elks, 1712 S. Boone St. There will be a taco bar and a silent auction.
You can follow Johnson’s progress through the expected remission of the disease at facebook.com/
Montesano resident Sara Johnson hopes experimental stem cell treatment will help her “kiss MS goodbye.” (Courtesy Sara Johnson)
