Cootamundra’s Adam Barnes is making final preparations before departing to Russia early next month for ground-breaking treatment for his Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
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Having only been overseas to New Zealand before, Mr Barnes will soon make the 14,500 kilometre journey for a $100,000 treatment aimed at slowing down his central nervous system condition.
“I have signed the contract with the doctor and we still have a few little things to wrap up,” he said.
“We still have a bit of fundraising that’s going to happen while I am away.
“Whatever we can raise we can use if need be, or leave it with the foundation for the next person.”
MS interferes with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
There is no known cure and the condition gets worse over time, causing a wide range of potential symptoms from loss of vision to muscle control.
Mr Barnes said he was used to the cold, being from Cootamundra, but he might make some last-minute warm clothing purchases.
“It’s another week of work and then hopefully the trip is all organised by the 6th of September,” he said.
First diagnosed at 31, MS means Mr Barnes suffers from extreme fatigue with the condition attacking him over time.
The treatment in Moscow essentially ‘re-boots’ the system through a complex procedure involving the removing, treatment and replacement of cells.
It is currently available in Australia to cancer and leukaemia patients, but not those with MS.
Mr Barnes said there was not enough clinical evidence for the treatment to be described as a cure but it has stopped some MS patients from experiencing more symptoms for at least 10 years.
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Starting in February last year, around $70,000 was raised over 12 months with an Australia Rules day, cash bingo at the Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen’s Club, regular barbecues at Repco, a colour run and a $10,000 cash raffle.
“I’d like to thank everyone for the support and I’f I have missed thanking anyone it’s not because it was on purpose; there has been so much support it has been difficult to keep up,” Mr Barnes said.
“We have had support coming in from Cootamundra, Tremora, Young, Wagga and we’re pretty lucky to live where we live.”