ATA188 and Good Friday thoughts

[hopeandgrace]

Thanks to FindingAnswersMaccy I was able to look up the exact clinical trial from that article and contact 2 different neurology departments in my area to potentially be a research participant in Phase 2 of that new drug, ATA188, that targets EBV. One wrote back to my email this morning and said they will forward my information to their team. I am not in yet and far from it as I have so much to talk about with my neurologist. And who knows if I will even get in? But I am hopeful.

Age 18-60? Yes. Have a progressive form of MS? Yes. Been on a DMT that has not been stopping your progression? Yes. Pregnant or nursing? No. And the list goes on. From what I can tell, I qualify.

Phase 1 folks seem to have good results. 20 out of 24 of them are either at the same level (yay for not progressing/getting worse) or have even improved with their MRIs or symptoms or EDSS scores or whatnot. The odds look good.

But with teary eyes, I asked my hubby this morning, "What about the other 4 people?" What about the 4 people who didn't stay the same or improve but just continued to progressively get worse? What if I end up being like one of them? It's still worth trying of course, but it's not 100% guaranteed. ATA188 is not foolproof yet. Maybe the 4 people needed a different dose or needed to be on it longer... who knows? But for Phase 1, it didn't help them. For Phase 1, those 4 did not get better.

I couldn't help but think that this new drug, this clinical trial I am so hoping to be in, is not my salvation. It is not my only hope. And even if I get in, even if my EDSS score improves or my symptoms all disappear, even if all my lesions on my brain and spine are gone and I feel totally healthy again, it won't last. I could die in a car accident soon after. And Lord willing, not for many decades, I will die eventually as all people do. Even if I am healed miraculously, this life is temporary.

But today is Good Friday. I am reminded that though this life is temporary, I have eternal hope from God, I have a Savior who was willing to pay the price for my sins so that I could live in Heaven forever with Him. He is my salvation, not ATA188. His shed blood and his power over death is my 100% foolproof guarantee.

Thank you, Jesus, that with you, the odds are unbeatable.

[Sandydemop]

we need as much hope and optimism as we can get, wherever we get it, more is better. Happy Easter

[Jer29-11]

Wow, that’s great to hear you were able to contact and reach someone to potentially be a participant! That’s very encouraging, but I completely get how you’re feeling. My husband sent me a link to the study while I was at work last night. I’m trying to not get too excited or hopeful…and you’re right, no matter what, a medication or treatment will never be our savior. This weekend especially, we are reminded of our Savior and the salvation we have in Him. Please keep us updated and I will be praying for you and the trials ❤️🙏🏻

[JSSimp]

Many blessing🙏🏾

[11tails]

Yes Jesus thank you! Amen

[kdali]

I hope you get in! Thank you for considering being a part of a trial 🙏

[Tazmanian]

Ty

[twooldcrows]

here is my prayers that you get into the study and all is great for you ...many prayers and blessings....love and happiness...