BOWMANVILLE -- The community is rallying to give a local woman with multiple sclerosis access to treatment in the United States.
"It's very exciting. I've never had surgery before. I'm not scared, I'm more excited for it and anxious," said Laura Scott. "I pray a lot that it will work and we'll see something happen."
Ms. Scott has MS and in December was diagnosed with chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency -- where the main veins in the neck are blocked or narrowed. The restricted blood flow from the brain is believed to be the cause of some MS-related symptoms.
There is a surgery, balloon angioplasty, done to widen the veins and treat CCSVI in the U.S. For MS patients the treatment -- sometimes called the 'liberation procedure' -- is currently not covered under OHIP or available in Canada.
"I'm hoping to be liberated to feel better and liberated that I have the choice to choose that health care option," said Ms. Scott.
Since her diagnosis with MS in 2001, Ms. Scott and her family and friends created a fundraising team call the MonSters. Each year the group participates in the MS Walk and has been the top fundraising team in Bowmanville. The MonSters have raised more than $60,000 for MS research over the past nine years.
This year the MonSters are turning their fundraising skills to help Ms. Scott pay for the $15,000 procedure. Ms. Scott has surgery scheduled in California for Wednesday, July 6.
Liberty 4 Laura is the first dinner fundraiser the MonSters have organized. There will be door prizes, a DJ dance and a silent auction, featuring signed sports memorabilia from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays.
"I'm hoping it's the only time we'll need it and then I imagine we'll get back on side with the MS Walk," said Ms. Scott.
The illness is disrupting her life. Ms. Scott has vision problems, balance and mobility issues and extreme fatigue that has her in bed by 8:30 p.m. most nights. She's hoping the procedure will relieve some of those symptoms.
"I have to give it a try to see what it will do. If I wait and see if my MS gets worse, in three years I may be in a wheelchair or have serious vision problems," said Ms. Scott.
Ms. Scott is lucky; her MS is relapsing/remitting, which means it comes and goes. The 33 year old has a supportive husband, three kids and is still able to work full time.
"You wouldn't even know I had MS," said Ms. Scott.
She said her children know about her illness and the upcoming operation, but not in enough detail to stress or scare them.
"They're hopeful it will make Mommy get better," said Ms. Scott.
The dinner and dance will be held at St. Joseph's Church hall, on Liberty Street in Bowmanville. The event is being held Saturday, June 11 from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $25.
To buy tickets or make a donation call 905-697-8251 or e-mail liberty4laura@rogers.com. For more information, visit www.wix.com/monsters4ccsvi/liberty4laura.
http://www.newsdurhamregion.com/news/article/178905