Edmond Woman With MS Undergoes Stem Cell Treatment

A former Edmond school teacher battling Multiple Sclerosis went to Chicago for a life-saving stem cell transplant. She's back in town now with her results.

Pamela Gooch says she's the first person with Progressive Relapsing MS to have this particular procedure done. And since the transplant, she's never felt better.

"That just terrible tiredness is gone," said Pamela.

Back to her old, playful self, Pamela says her recent stem cell transplant has given her a new life.

"I can take a nap when I tire and I feel rested, however before, I couldn't get out of bed," Pamela said.

For two years since her MS diagnosis, Pamela always felt drained as her immune system was attacking itself. She even chopped off all her hair before chemotherapy beat her to it.

5/3/2014 Related Story: OK Woman Shaves Head To Prepare For MS Treatment

And in a 20 minute operation only offered in Chicago, she got new stem cells placed in her body. It was a success, until she got a letter from her insurance company backing out of covering the $150,000 procedure and instead opting to pay only a 1/10 of it.

"Pay for the rest of our lives for it, this is what we're going to do."

Pamela proceeded on despite the high cost and seven weeks later, she's back home in Edmond. She got her pay-off in time spent with her two sons.

"I'm very excited to be home with my boys, and I have energy now that I can give to them in playing with them and cooking for them," said Pamela. "And my main concern is being here for my family and trying to make up for the two years where I wasn't always available because of the MS."

Due to the MS, Pamela had to quit her job as a Pre-K teacher.

Pamela does have a fund set up, if you'd like to help.