Rahul needs treatment for crippling Multiple Sclerosis not available in NZ

The Battle with MS

Males in this country have a hard time speaking out about issues. More so when trying really hard to be a productive member of NZ society and working in the tough IT space.

My friend's name is Rahul and he has been living with Multiple Sclerosis. MS targets the nerves and slowly disables them, causing weakness, loss of function, and slow death to the body.

After not being well in 2009, Rahul was eventually diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2010 as he lay in a hospital bed.

MS! It was a relief to finally put a name to what was wrong! Rahul would collapse and turn up with bruises like he'd been in a fight. He is currently taking medication daily to slow down the MS relapses but is slowly losing the fight. NZ has no good treatments in New Zealand that work for him and his condition is deteriorating.

The medicine available mostly consists of steroids which cause rashes all over the body and exhausts him.

Rahul is perpetually tired and physically fatigued. He has a hard time getting around as his balance is badly affected - he cannot walk 100m.

He heard of Stem Cell Transplant trials which can help with reducing the relapses. So in May 2017 he self funded a trip to India to undergo Stem Cell Transplant. This treatment dramatically improved his well being and physical ability and has really helped him regain strength.

He has had so many phone calls since then about his experience and about how to get the treatment for other MS sufferers.

He posted YouTube videos to help other people in this situation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBK8-qgiEb0 .

However 6 months after the procedure the symptoms came back. He has contacted the hospital who advised he needs to repeat this procedure in order to see a permanent change.

Rahul cares deeply for people and is a generous individual that loves his seven year old son and wants to be around as long as possible for him.

His goal is to save his mobility so that he no longer struggles with walking and can remain free from mobility aides.

Rahul has made many sacrifices and adapted to most of his MS symptoms (and steroids) but the fatigue in his legs has the largest impact on his life. Return treatment would allow him to walk again on a treadmill.

He has worked in IT for 14 years and loves his job as he gets to talk with people all day. Workmates have become like family and been really understanding and supportive as his MS has progressed.

His wish is to get better, not be as tired, and to be able to continue working productively.

The cost of his treatment is $9500NZ which will cover the hospital treatment and flights.

Please help him get better. Rahul finds it very hard to put himself 'out there' and ask for money but needs your help in getting this life-changing treatment.

His date for admission is 30th August and I thank each and every person who is able to help him on his journey.

Links about Stem Cell Therapy and MS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_sclerosis (What is Multiple sclerosis)

https://www.msnz.org.nz/ms-treatments/ NZ treatments

https://www.msaustralia.org.au/about-ms/medications-treatments/stem-cell-treatments

https://www.msnz.org.nz/stem-cell-treatment/