Hello,

Everyone either knows someone with multiple sclerosis (MS) or has heard of what this horrible condition can do to a person. Canada has one of the highest rates on MS in the world. It is a national crisis that creates both human and economic suffering.

The clock is ticking for MS sufferers, as every time they have an attack they lose more of their health, mobility, quality of life, and emotional well-being.

The MS world recently learned of some very exciting news regarding a possible cause and a potential treatment that may stop the progression and in some cases reverse some of the damage.

The condition is called "chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency" (CCSVI), discovered by Dr. Paolo Zamboni, whose wife has MS, but is now in complete remission. It is a condition where blood doesn’t properly drain from the brain because of a narrowing in the jugular veins in the neck.  Due to this partial blockage, deoxygenated blood either stays too long in the brain or can reflux back into the brain causing various adverse effects, including:

· A lack of oxygen (hypoxia) in the brain;

· Inflammation caused by plasma and blood, which can also set off an autoimmune reaction; and

· Iron from blood deposited on brain tissue can damage myelin, and over time results in nerve damage.

Dr. Zamboni used “balloons” to open up narrowed veins and other researches are inserting stents into veins to help keep them open.  His results have been amazing (an early US research is supporting his findings).   This "liberation" treatment is showing great promise.

The first hurdle is the testing, which no one in Canada or the US can get at this time (it needs to be done by a specially trained technician).  There is a lack of interest from neurologist and the government (they are trying to slow/halt things).  The Canadian MS Society has invited researchers to submit trial proposals, and will has contributed $10 million to support research (and so has the US equivalent).

Please help us raise awareness and get support from the Canadian government by visiting: www.msliberation.ca and signing the petition. As well, please forward the website/petition to anyone you think might be interested.

Image a world without MS…let's make it happen!

Thank you.