The Sharon Wesley Stem Cell Appeal

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis—ADEM, is a condition that affects the Brain, Brain Stem & Spinal Cord.  This condition is caused by the immune system ‘overloading’.

 

Instead of attacking any infections within the body, the antibodies, which are created by the immune system to fight infections, instead attacks the nerves within the Brain.

 

Protecting these nerves, is a jelly-like coating called Myelin.        ADEM causes antibodies to eat away this coating, leaving the nerves within the brain open to damage and causing many different symptoms.   

      

In Sharons case, loss of the majority of her movement and her speech. 

 

 

What is ADEM?

Sharon is however very lucky, many Adem sufferers unfortunately lose cognitive skills in addition to movement, Sharon thankfully retained her intelligence and her memories.