Enniskillen Woman Raises £56,000 for MS Stem Cell Treatment in Mexico
Rayanne Dooley from Enniskillen posted a TikTok video on March 26 detailing her experience with multiple sclerosis. The video has received over 100,000 views.
Dooley received her MS diagnosis at a young age. She decided to pursue treatment options beyond standard care. She learned about HSCT, a haematopoietic stem cell transplantation procedure that aims to reset the immune system in MS patients.
HSCT works by halting immune system attacks on the brain and spinal cord. The treatment is not available routinely in Northern Ireland. Specialist centres in England provide it through the UK NHS with limited referrals.
Dooley raised £56,000 through fundraising. She travelled to Mexico for the procedure. Two years after treatment, she states her MS has stopped.
Northern Ireland records some of the world's highest MS rates, based on research from Queen's University Belfast.