Cindy Cox
Coaster Correspondent
Chris Fudge, age 56 and Dale Perry, age 42 have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Chris lives in Milltown, and was diagnosed in December of 2010 and Dale lives in Head of Bay d’Espoir and was diagnosed in 2003. They are not related in any way but have become very close sharing their stories, symptoms and doctors.
Fudge and Perry are hoping to travel to California on June 1 to receive the Liberation Treatment, which they hope will help them recover from MS.
Chris receives a weekly needle of Avonex to stable his condition but he will not improve. He is only able to walk for a maximum of 15 minutes and suffers from balance control, headaches, vertigo, stress, fatigue, weakness, limited movement, and spinal difficulty.
“If there is even a 5% chance this treatment can help me get my life back, than that’s a chance worth taking. I am overwhelmed with the support from people and appreciate everything that they have done,” Fudge said.
His monthly medical costs are approximately $1,700.00.
Perry’s MS Therapy consists of a daily needle of Copaxone to stabilize his condition but it will not get any better. He suffers from fatigue, stress, depression, headaches, memory and vision loss, and vertigo. His monthly medical costs are approximately $1,600.00.
They are both unable to work to support their families.
This is their Best Option, and is not available in Canada; California is the closest available clinic for this procedure.
The Liberation Treatment consists of CCSVI needles, (Chronic Cebral Spinal Venius Insufficiency) which will open up their veins sending oxygenated blood from the heart to the brain.
The cost of the Liberation Treatment is approximately $15,000.00 per patient and the goal that needs to be reached is $30,000.The cost of travel for these two men is included in this process and to date $17,000 have been raised.
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85% of patients that have received the treatment have had very good results with many even returning to work.
“This procedure will mean getting my life back so I am able to work again and have a normal healthy relationship with my daughter,” said Perry.
A large number of volunteers have canvassed in Milltown, Morrisville, St. Joseph's Cove, St. Veronicas, Swanger's Cove, and St. Alban's and Head Bay d'Espoir. If you were not home when they visited your community and you wish to make a contribution you may do so by making a donation at the Bank of Montreal.
Transit #1038, Account # 3998830, E-Transfer to chrisandcora@hotmail.com or mail to Chris Fudge
PO Box 115
Milltown, NL
A0H 1W0
Or if you wish for another visit you may call Cora at 882-2866.
Volunteers will be canvassing the following communities in the very near future; Conne River, Boxey, Coombs Cove, Pool's Cove, English Harbour, Harbour Breton, Belleorom, St. Jacques, Mose Ambrose and surrounding communities.
Many fundraising efforts have been made and we'd like to thank those that have already donated and volunteered. They have planned an upcoming Kitchen Party at the Warehouse Lounge in St. Alban's, NL on Good Friday, April 22, 2011 at 6:00 pm. To volunteer, donate, or entertain at this event please contact Paulette Buffett at 538-3029 or email paulettebuffett@gmail.com. All proceeds raised will go to the Liberation Treatment for Dale and Chris.
Multiple Sclerosis affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body’s own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. When myelin is lost, the axons can no longer effectively conduct signals.
The name multiple sclerosis refers to scars (scleroses—better known as plaques or lesions) particularly in the white matter of the brain and spinal cord, which is mainly composed of myelin. Although much is known about the mechanisms involved in the disease process, the cause remains unknown. Theories include genetics or infections. Different environmental risk factors have also been found.
MS side affects can be, but are not limited to fatigue, headaches, vertigo, vision, weakness, sexual problems, bladder problems, and limited movement.
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