The treatment is new enough that it isn't yet widely available, and indeed this upcoming trip in March is for a clinical trial in Albany, N.Y., the largest of its kind yet.
Some local residents have already gone to other locations to take liberation therapy for their MS, and in a couple cases at least, the therapy has had a very positive effect in giving them more energy to live their daily lives, and it has made a definite difference.
Possibly the therapy may not have this strong of an effect for every patient of MS, but the fact that some are benefitting from the procedure is enough to give hope that there is a better quality of life possible for those who are suffering from this debilitating disease.
The progressive nature of MS, with the inevitable degradation of health and of the ability to live independently, makes it very difficult to deal with as a patient, and for family members and caregivers of that patient; any treatment that can make a difference and help that patient have a better quality of life is worthy of consideration.
Unfortunately, the trial is not available for everybody, and thus applicants will be randomly chosen to go down to New York to take part in the trial. Applicants will be screened for eligibility and given a medical assessment for suitability to take part in the trial.
The benefits will be in the long-term; as the treatment is fine-tuned and perfected through clinical trials like this one, the hope for MS patients is that this will soon be a widely-available treatment that will be truly helpful to those patients able to take it.
Meantime, the province is to be commended for having the fortitude and courage to step up and help some residents possibly make a difference for a future generation of residents with multiple sclerosis. Only time will tell how truly beneficial this treatment will be, but in the meantime, it's the best opportunity to come forward for MS patients.
- Greg Nikkel
