About Me
Jaimar Tuarez
Hello! I’m Jaimar, but you can call me Jai. I’m 22 years old. I was an average university student in Venezuela: I studied, worked, helped my family… Until December 2023 when my life would change completely:
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
One day, I was studying brains (Yes, we study brains in psychology), and within a few months, I would be told that mine was deteriorating.
A shock for someone as active as me, I went from being the head of my family to not being able to walk or talk. My life stopped. Fear, uncertainty, changes…
But I didn’t let that stop me, I decided to tell my story and ask for help. Because I’ve learned that love comes from unexpected places.
Today I am here, opening up to the world, raising awareness, and making MS visible…
Many of us wonder, ‘Why?’ when the question is, ‘For what?’
If you’re reading this today, Thank you! I invite you to learn about my autoimmune journey. You’ll probably leave with a beautiful message and many valuable things.
Would you like to know a bit more?
Life in Venezuela
Venezuela is in crisis, everybody knows that. Since 2015, Multiple Sclerosis patients have been in absolute neglect: there is no medication.
No comprehensive care, no options for nearly 10 years.
Medications for Multiple Sclerosis are among the most expensive in the world. In Venezuela, prices range from $12,000 to $30,000 annually, in a country where 94.5% of the population is in poverty. How is it possible to access healthcare under these conditions?
At this moment, we are orphanes due to a healthcare system that doesn’t work.
The AFP released a report in February 2024 about the situation of MS patients in Venezuela. You can read it here:
Emigration
Leaving my country, my home, my mom, my grandmother, my dog, and my two cats. Making that difficult decision because my life took a 360° turn. Thousands of changes, and one of them, is having to seek options outside the country.
This is hard for me, but being a Multiple Sclerosis patient in Venezuela is impossible. Currently, my diagnosis is Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, and it could quickly progress to Secondary Progressive if I don’t access treatment to prevent relapses and delay the progression of the disease.
Amid desperation, I contacted NGOs and MS Associations in several countries. I can now access medicine abroad.
When I saw there was hope, I didn’t hesitate. Although I’m currently filled with fears. The important thing is to continue. I want to continue. I want an opportunity.
That’s why I started this campaign, which with your support, will allow me to fight Multiple Sclerosis and have a normal life.
I would be very grateful if you could spread the word. Thanks to everyone who can contribute in any way.