A Winnipeg playwright and actress with Multiple Sclerosis is hoping to
soon travel to Costa Rica to receive a controversial medical treatment

known as liberation therapy.

Debbie Patterson was diagnosed with MS more than a decade ago and her condition has been worsening. She said she feels she has no choice but
to spend $13,000 to travel to Central America for the treatment on the

hope having her veins unblocked will help her.

The MS therapy is based on the unproven theory of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) — put forward by Italian
doctor Paolo Zamboni — that constricted veins in the neck or spine are

to blame for MS.

Zamboni proposes treating multiple sclerosis by inflating small balloons to open up the veins.

The Manitoba government has promised $500,000 to help fund clinical trials of the liberation treatment in Canada when they begin. The
government money will only be spent if the trials are deemed safe and

appropriate, but Patterson said she can't afford to wait.

"Everyone I've talked to who's had the procedure is so encouraging. They are all saying, 'you must go, you must get this procedure done. The
worst that can happen is that it won't work,'" she said.

'I'm hoping I can dance with my husband again.'—Debbie Patterson

Things, however, turned out much worse that that for an Ontario man, 35-year-old Mahir Mostic.

He died in October after experiencing complications from the therapy treatment in Costa Rica.

But Patterson is convinced she has to go, or else face a deteriorating life. She has already been forced to pass up many roles
because of her many condition.

"How long before I can't climb the stairs, and how long before I am in a wheelchair and how long before I can't get out of bed?" she said.

Her peers are rallying around her and will hold a fundraiser on Jan. 7 at the West End Cultural Centre. The "Pimp My Gimp" benefit will
feature performances from artists including Graham Ashmore and John K.

Samson.

Patterson said she hopes the liberation treatment will grant her one wish.

"I'm hoping I can dance after this. I'm hoping I can dance with my husband again," she said.