Drama has been curating the Music To Cut Hair To column on Ransom Note for some time now, and just two short years ago, this shimmering star was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, her life has changed dramatically with a capital D.
On the 3rd of December Londons club scene comes together for Dance For Drama, an event to drive the fundraiser to raise 60K for Victoria to get some pioneering, life-changing, stem cell treatment in a state of the art clinic in Mexico.
Where are you this moment Drama and how are you spending the day?
Im at home in Earls Court. I spend pretty much every day managing this condition and its restrictions on my life.
How much has life changed?
Everything has changed. I still cant get my head round it. I never thought about my ability before.
What has been the hardest part for you?
Not being able to walk has been the hardest part.
What is MS exactly?
Multiple Sclerosis essentially, is your body attacking itself. It affects the brain and nerves.
What are the daily challenges you face?
Seeing, walking, no driving, slurred voice, standing, falling over, prepping for the smallest tasks as my fatigue is off the charts.
What is the prognosis of this disease without treatment?
Having HSCT should put the disease into remission, without it, Im facing a future that is hard work, probably a wheelchair, loss of my independence.
How have you been passing the days?
I read books and listen to podcasts. I havent been able to listen to music, not sure if it is the wrong PH balance or a trigger of a much- missed previous life.
What do you miss most about your life?
EVERYTHING.
What is your next step in your war on MS?
Ive spent the last two years surrounding myself with other MS sufferers. It has changed my view on life with a chronic illness. Its hard work making yourself heard and its very expensive. Somethings can help you to manage but there is no cure.MS is totally individual to each person.
When are you going to Mexico and what will happen while youre there?
I leave on the 6th of January. I spend a month in hospital receiving the stem cell treatment. I will return to the UK one month later to isolate for 2-3 months to give my immunity time to grow again.
Haematopoietic Stem cell transplantation is a chemotherapy treatment for MS that aims to reset the immune system by wiping it out and regrowing it, using the patients own stem cells. The idea is that it stops the immune system from attacking the protective layer around the nerves.
What do you hope to happen after the treatment?
After seeing the fantastic results, I hope to walk again unaided. Lets start small.
Tell us a bit about the funds you need to raise?
I need to raise 60k. Ive had to borrow the money. Not something I am comfortable with, but this will be my last stab at life.
The surgery is quite major. If you want to understand more watch Discovering Selma documentary.
Tell us about the fundraiser?
3rd December is the day for Dance for Drama at the Star of Liverpool St. My Fundraising Team have held my hand as being centre of attention is the furthest thing for my mind at the moment.
Who is on the line up?
Justin Robertson, Sophie Lloyd, Terry Farley, Dani Moore (Crazy P) Heidi, PBR Streetgang, Nancy Noise, Steve Lee, Lisa Loud, Stu Patterson, Tayo, Simon & Antony Phonica. Dave Jarvis, Orin Afronaut, Andy Taylor and the Size Doesnt Matter Crew, the list goes on and is epic. Not forgetting one of my chief Fundraisers Dave Harvey who has a special place in my heart.
What can we do to help?
Dig deep if you can. Every little counts. We have some really great things coming, a raffle, an art auction, the disco. Debbie Smith has offered to take over a karaoke room and you can pay her to get off. Ha!
There is also a raffle so if anyone has anything to throw into the tombola, please contact Rob Star rob@electricstarpubs.co.uk
Whats your message others with MS?
Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I was told I am part of a gang that I didnt want to be part of. I am never going to offer any advice, as I know too well how awkward that be sometimes. But know I will never let go of your hand, and I will always have time for you. I have met some truly inspirational people.
What keeps you fighting?
The strength that I already have. I never fully acknowledged it before. My closest friends for picking me up when I am down. Family. And Benny.
Please visit the Crowdfunder HERE.
Below is a collection of music curated by Drama:
Excerpt from:
Music To Sit on The Sidelines To - Ransom Note
- Day +22 [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Milk Teeth Stem Cell Banking [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis Adult Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Autism: A Proposal [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2011]
- Dr Omar Gonzalez [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2011]
- American Stem Cell Clinic Corporate Video [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2011]
- Multiple Sclerosis Stem Cell Therapy News Coverage [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Dr Brothers, OD Part 2 Following Stem Cell Patients [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2011]
- Dr Brothers, OD Part 1 Following Stem Cell Patients [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Panama City Beach FL: First In-Clinic Adipose Stem Cell Procedure [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Type II Diabetes [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- Dr. Andre Terzic - Smart Stem Cells [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplant at Mayo Clinic 3 [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy: Pathway to the Clinic [Last Updated On: September 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 8th, 2011]
- Mayo Clinic Study Shows Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Repair Heart [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Kansas' First In-Clinic Adipose Stem Cell Procedure [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- Breast Augmentation with Autologous Stem Cells at Clinic DDr. Heinrich® [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- Anna Deeter Testimonial for Fetal Stem Cell Treatment at EmCell Clinic [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- MediVet Canada performs the first In-Clinic Stem Cell Procedure [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Embryonic Stem Cells From Skin: Making Old Cells Young [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- The Politics of Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- STEM CELL FOR KIDNEY FAILURE - MUMBAI.wmv [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cells and Cancer [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- ACT - Stem Cell Trial for AMD and Stargardt - Phase 1 [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Health Alliance - Breakthrough to Independence [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Professor waarschuwt tegen commerciële stamcelklinieken [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- Austin clinic to bank adult stem cells [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Dr. Gonzalez and his Integrative Medicine clinic in Mexico [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Cell Therapy Clinic EmCell [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- STEM CELL THERAPY FOR PARALYSIS, MUMBAI.wmv [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Clinic Embryos and Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Affordable Stem Cell Therapy in Guatemala (2hrs from Miami) [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- "Molly" - Before and After Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Mayo Clinic Regenerative Medicine Consult Service [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Houston veterinarian uses cutting-edge stem cell technology on dogs [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Ruby, Olsen Veterinary Clinic: Day 1 Stem Cell Procedure [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- A Dose of Reality on Alternative Stem Cell Treatments: What you don't know can hurt you [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- The Next Frontier in Stem Cell Research [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- stem cell trial for leading causes of blindness [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Better in Beijing. video 3 [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Ruby, Olsen Veterinary Clinic 30 Days after Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Drive New MS Study/Treatment [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- New stem cell procedure in BC for Ellie at the Kamloops Veterinary Clinic-April 26 [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Face Lift [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Bringing Stem Cell Cures to the Clinic: UC Davis GMP Facility [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Michigan Law on Stem Cells [Last Updated On: October 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 8th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS patient) - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Fat Stem Cell Therapy Publication - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Public Symposium: The Stem Cell Promise: Moving to the Clinic - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Becoming a Blood Stem Cell Donor - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Stem cell vet treatment performed in Ontario - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- STEM CELLS TRANSPLANTATION - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Home Town Company has brought Stem Cell - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cells - Video [Last Updated On: October 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 22nd, 2011]
- Endogenous Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Immune Control of Stem Cell Mobilization - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Utah's First In-Clinic Stem Cell Procedure - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Medical tourism in Croatia - Smart Stem Cells by Dr. Andre Terzic, Mayo Clinic - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- reconstrutive nose surgery(nose job to revise),stem cell - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Baby Elsa Blood and Bone Marrow Match Clinic - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Panama City Beach, FL: First In-Clinic Adipose Stem Cell Procedure - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- India Trip - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Man Cured of Arthritis Using Stem Cells at Clinic in Panama - Video [Last Updated On: November 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 30th, 2011]
- Fat Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis - Video [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2011]
- Amanda and Britney BCC Table Clinic 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2011]
- Using Your Own Fat Stem Cells For Arthritis, Sports Injuries and Autoimmune Disorders - Video [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell therapy for COPD -Real patient results, USA Stem Cells- Donald W. Testimonial - Video [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2012]
- Lgr5 Stem Cells and Cancer - Video [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2012]
- Dogs Recieve Stem Cell Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2012]
- Dr. Steenblock's Office- STEM CELL Clinic - Video [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2012]
- Reuben Before and after Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- My India Trip#1 Photos - Video [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2012]
- Stem Cell Financing - Video [Last Updated On: January 25th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 25th, 2012]
- Stem Cell's in Sarasota by Regenerative clinic for Meniscus Damage. - Video [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2012]
- StemCells, Inc. Announces Publication of Preclinical Data Demonstrating Its Human Neural Stem Cells Preserve Vision [Last Updated On: January 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: January 30th, 2012]
- Stoney Creek firm licenses stem cell technology [Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 3rd, 2012]
- Bonita stem cell doctor's attorney quits, state hearing still scheduled [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2012]
- From the Avro disappointment to the gift of stem-cell research [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- $30 million donation from Boris family will help McMaster turn stem cell research into therapy [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2012]
- Researchers make breakthrough in stem cell research [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2012]