In a community such as ours, it’s easy to get consumed by the world of little plastic action figures, and not necessarily think about what others might be going through. Mike, the owner and operator of JoeCanuck.com has sent along the following information about helping a Joe fan in need…and along with that, he extends a very generous offer to folks who consider contributing:
Dear fellow Joe Fans,
My name is Michael Sciullintano-Viscoso, and I am requesting your attention for the next few minutes to read the information below.
On Wednesday, October 6th, 2010, a fund raiser dinner is being held in honour of Deanna Sciullintano-Viscoso, my wife, and the mother of our son, Dario. The purpose of this dinner is to raise funds in order to send Deanna to India.
Now you are probably asking yourself, why do I need to support this persons trip to India? Deanna suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. She has had this disease for nearly 21 years. Presently, she walks with the aid of a cane and can not walk a long distance rather relying on a wheelchair to be mobile.
Up until recently there is no known cure for this disease. There are drug treatments, but they only slow the progression not stop it.
Recently a new theory has been put forth. Preliminary studies have suggested that a phenomenon called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), a reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. This hypothesis has been put forth by Dr. Paolo Zamboni from the University of Ferrara in Italy. The procedure done on the patients is called, The Liberation Treatment. Dr. Zambone tested his theory by unblocking the arteries in the neck thus allowing blood to flow freely to the brain. Dr. Zamboni was featured on W5 and has done many speaking engagements in Canada including a symposium here in Hamilton at St. Joseph Hospital. The results have been incredible!
The surgery is being offered in a India but it is not available in Canada or the United States. Furthermore, OHIP will not support anyone going overseas and having this surgery completed. So, all expenses are out of pocket ranging anywhere between 20 and 25 thousand dollars.
That’s where you come in. I will welcome any donation that can be made towards this fund raiser. The event is called, Liberation in India; Deanna’s Fight Against MS Fund-raiser. The goal is to raise as much as possible to allow Deanna to take advantage of this opportunity. If interested in attending, the event will be held at St. Naum Hall, at 1150 Stonechurch Rd. E, in Hamilton, ON.
If you are unable to attend, but would still like to help support Deanna, I am also accepting donations via PayPal at the link below. Any amount you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated.
