Katie Holtgrieve

Transplant Type - Stem Cell

In 2011, during her junior year of college, Katie learned her body was succumbing to the devastating effects of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). In the normal progression of this disease, patients experience physical weakness and an inability to use an arm or leg, followed by a period of remission when partial to full function is recovered. However, Katie’s disease has worsened, and in the last two years, she has not regained strength and function once they are lost. Many patients live decades with the disease before experiencing permanent losses. At 26, Katie is already suffering major disabilities, requiring a wheelchair, help with dressing; and she had to give up driving and is only able to work one short six-hour shift per week. Doctors believe a stem cell transplant will stop the progression of the disease. It may help her walk better again, and should allow her to keep the functions she still has. It is her last hope, as no conventional treatment has worked for her.

Before Katie’s health began to decline, she led an extremely active life and enjoyed driving, running, working out and many outdoor activities. She dreams of being well enough to start a career in the MRI field, as her disease was too advanced for her to start working after she graduated college. Despite these challenges, she remains upbeat and positive about her future. She has a megawatt smile, and she assures everyone, including her parents, that it will all work out. But right now, she needs your help.

Her stem cell transplant will cost more than $100,000, and it’s not covered by her insurance. That’s only the beginning, as she will also need follow-up care and medications to ensure that her body accepts the treatment. When she receives her transplant, she must temporarily relocate 225 miles from her home to be near the hospital for at least eight weeks during recovery, incurring substantial expenses for travel, food and lodging.

You can help by making a tax-deductible donation to NFT in honor of Katie. If you'd prefer to send your gift by mail, please send it to the NFT Ohio Transplant Fund, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to write "in honor of Katie Holtgrieve" on the memo line.

Thank you for your generosity!

Patient Health Institute: Northwestern