🏥 The Challenge

I enlisted in the Air Force in 2007, determined to serve my country and make a difference. My career as a Security Forces Airman was everything I dreamed of—I loved my duties, my team, and the sense of purpose I found in service. After three deployments and six years of dedication, everything changed. In 2012, shortly after returning from my third deployment, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The diagnosis ended my career and began a new journey marked by chronic, incapacitating pain.

Despite trying every medication available to slow the progression of bone damage and deformity, nothing has worked. Over the last twelve years, my condition has only worsened. I now live with:

Severe pain and swelling in my knees, ankles, hips, elbows, shoulders, wrists, and feet
Dislocations, limited range of motion, and joints stuck in bent positions
Bone-on-bone osteoarthritis in both knees
Deformed toes and fingers
A right hip that cannot stay in place when I try to stand

My pain and mobility are so limited that I haven’t been able to walk without crutches or a wheelchair for five years. My pain level is constant and severe. I am unable to help with any household duties, and I only attempt to walk for medical appointments or the restroom—with my son often carrying me.

🌟 Discovering Hope

Losing my ability to serve and care for my family has been devastating, but I have never given up hope. My sons and I have held onto the belief that healing is possible. Now, with the support of Miracle Hope Foundation, I have the chance to pursue advanced IV stem cell therapy.

This treatment represents hope for my family—a chance to:

Stifle, slow, or even stop my autoimmune response
Halt or repair the damage to my joints
Regain independence and mobility
Walk again after five years of relying on crutches or a wheelchair

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Service

My sons have made incredible sacrifices for me. My oldest put his own dreams aside to care for me—helping me with daily activities, carrying me when I cannot walk, and managing our home. They tell me they miss the life we had before I became sick. My greatest wish is to give them their mom back: active, present, and able to participate in their lives.

Serving in the Air Force was my dream, but being a mom is my purpose. I want to give my sons the life they deserve and show them that hope and resilience can overcome even the toughest battles.

💰 The Financial Reality

After twelve years of battling Rheumatoid Arthritis, my family’s resources have been stretched to the limit. I am a single mom living on disability. Every extra expense is a struggle, and we’ve already sacrificed so much just to manage day-to-day life. The cost of advanced treatments like stem cell therapy is far beyond what we can afford on our own.

Your support doesn’t just help me—it gives my sons the hope of having their mom back, able to walk, participate in their lives, and provide for them again. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward healing for our whole family.

⏰ Why We Need Your Help

With your help, I hope to:

Stop or slow the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Heal or repair my damaged joints
Regain my mobility and independence
Be the mom my sons deserve

🙏 Gratitude and Hope

I am deeply grateful for your kindness and support. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to healing and to a brighter future. Thank you for reading my story and for helping us on this journey.

Support Shalonna Rutledge's Stem Cell Healing Journey