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Lets Help Simon Say Goodbye To MS

  • What is MS

      10 April 2014

    MS is an autoimmune, chronic, neurogenerative disease of the central nervous system. MS affects more young adult Australians than any other neurological condition. MS causes the bodyfs own immune system attacks the myelin sheath (the protective layer around the nerves) in the brain and spinal cord. An attack results in inflammation and development of one or more lesions, resulting in scarring or sclerotic plaques forming on the nerves. These lesions interfere with the nerve messages sent back and forth through the brain and spinal cord. The main symptoms of MS include: fatigue, visual problems, balance and coordination problems, spasticity, altered sensation, pain, abnormal speech and heat sensitivity. MS is different for everyone and symptoms are not always obvious, especially to the outsider.

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  • HSCT ? a promising treatment.

      10 April 2014

    There is a treatment available for MS. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the intravenous infusion of autologous (the patientfs own) stem cells to re- establish hematopoietic function. Before the transplant, chemotherapy is given to lower the immune system before it is hre-bootedh. HSCT is a treatment that has been around since 1967 for patients with cancer. It is performed all over the world for cancer, but is relatively new for patients with MS. Sadly, this treatment is not available in Australia for MS. Despite this, a team at the A.A. Maximov Department of Hematology and Cellular Therapy at Russiafs National Pirogov Medical Surgical Center has performed this treatment for over 250 patients with autoimmune conditions in the last 10 years. The team is led by let by Dr Denis Fedorenko. The treatment involves Simon and Rebekah flying to Russia for six weeks for him to undergo chemotherapy and stem cell transplant (HSCT) with Dr Fedorenko. This procedure costs more than $60,000 for the treatment and associated costs of travel and accommodation in Russia.

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  • An unexpected opening!

      10 April 2014

    Despite the cost, the waiting list for the treatment is lengthy. This is a problem, as Simonfs condition continues to decline, despite all the work he is doing to fight it. Simonfs name was put on the waiting list for 2015, but worried that the more his condition deteriorates, the smaller the impact of any treatment will be. Then in March this year they were told that a spot had opened up. Did they want it? Oh yes! Simon has been confirmed for admission on 28th July 2014!

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