Brian K. McWilliams Foundation Announces Support for MS & CCSVI

Sept. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressively debilitating disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS) and takes away an individual’s independence by affecting their ability to speak, communicate, function independently and even walk. MS has long been thought to be an autoimmune disorder where the immune cells attack the nerves and brain, but the cause is unknown and there is no cure. Those suffering with MS are treated with medications thought to address their symptoms, but few have much success. MS affects not only those with the disease but those around them as well. The good news is there is hope. Recent findings of Italian Researcher Dr. Zamboni, show a correlation between those with MS and stenosed (narrowed) veins in that drain the blood from the brain and chest, a condition he called Chronic Cerebrospinal Insufficiency or CCSVI. Even better news followed when Dr. Zamboni and his team treated MS patients with a simple outpatient procedure, 'the CCSVI Liberation Procedure' that restored flow in these veins and showed progressive relief of MS symptoms.  This treatment was not ground breaking but the application of it was. Dr. Zamboni's team used a simple angioplasty, a procedure used to treat cardiac patients in North American Hospitals for over 30 years. What was ground break were the results that followed. Patients felt relief in their symptoms, improved vision, improved balance, higher energy levels, better mobilization, better motor control, restored circulation and much more. And while these may seem like small feats for those of us who are healthy, having a sense of feeling normal again and regaining independence is something most MS patients have only dreamed of.

At The Brian K. McWilliams Foundation we want to make this dream a reality! CCSVI testing and treatment is not currently available in Canada. In fact, CCSVI has been a very controversial subject over the past year in political and medical communities across the country. It seems unjust that a simple procedure we have used for over 30 years in our hospitals is not available to those with MS. Canadian decision makers say their is not enough evidence to offer the treatment through our healthcare system; more research is needed. We are ready to support this research. Dr. Haacke is a leading expert on CCSVI and is working with St. Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, the first and only research program dedicated to CCSVI research in Canada.

The Brian K. McWilliams Foundation will be hosting a fundraiser, Monday Sept. 20, 2010, where the majority of proceeds will be donated to support this research program.

At the Foundation, we also recognize that some patients cannot wait. We are working to help support two local patients in their quest to get treated now and a portion of the proceeds will also go towards their treatment.
By giving two ways, The Brian K. McWilliams Foundation is able to make a big difference now for those special individuals to be treated, as well as making a contribution towards access for all MS patients to be treated in the future.

Join us for TASTE TO LIBERATE, in support of MS & CCSVI at Tappo Wine Bar & Restaurant on Monday September 20, 2010. For event information and tickets, visit www.briankmcwilliamsfoundation.com/events.php or to donate to the cause visit www.briankmwilliamsfoundation.com/donate.php.

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The Brian K. McWilliams Foundation is non-profit organization based in Toronto dedicated to the health, wellness, and education of individuals and families around the world. The Foundation works with a selection of registered charities that champion these causes and works under the mission of "Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something".
Visit The Brian K. McWilliams Foundation on the web at www.briankmcwilliamsfoundation.com.