Single mom fighting MS

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Benita Sharpley Bibb of Valhermoso Springs has reached the end of her rope in a seven-year battle against Multiple Sclerosis, a chronic disease of the central nervous system.
She needs adult stem cell therapy but the treatment is not available in the U.S. It is offered in Costa Rica at a cost of $30,000 but her health insurance won’t cover the expense.
In an effort to raise the money needed the single mother has placed donation jars in a number of businesses, including the Jet Pep convenience store on Highway 31, South, H&H Food Mart and Las Vias Restaurant in Hartselle. They are also located in Huntsville, Somerville and Priceville. With the help of family member and friends, money has been raised through bake sales and car washes. Other fundraisers are in the planning stage.
Bibb is a 15-year employee of CRI Compressors (Copeland) and also works part-time on weekends for Volunteers of America.
She said she first experienced symptoms of MS in 2002 and was diagnosed with the disease in 2004. She is currently under the care of a neurologist at UAB’s Kirkland Clinic in Birmingham and relies on a Beta Seron shot every other day to stay active.
The mother of two adults sons walks with a limp. She said symptoms of the disease include muscular stiffness and weakness.
Bibb is scheduled to undergo stem cell therapy at a Costa Rica medical clinic April 7-May 12 providing she has the money to pay for the treatments.