Ross Burstrom is putting all of his hope on a trip to India.
The 53-year-old Shabaqua resident has Multiple Sclerosis and is leaving for India on April 1 with his sister Brenda and brother-in-law Ron Berringer for the controversial Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency procedure.
“His MS is progressing. He’s at a point now where he can’t wait any longer for the government to do their studies,” said Berringer. “Five years down the road possibly Ross might not be able to speak or feed himself.”
“This is his last opportunity I think for anything to be done that might help him,” Berringer added.
Italian doctor Paolo Zamboni developed the CCSVI procedure, also known as the Zamboni liberation procedure, which uses balloon angioplasty in certain neck veins to improve blood flow.
Some people who have had the procedure say they no longer have any symptoms of MS. Others reported no change.
Burstrom has had MS for 15 years; Berringer said he’s fortunate because most people with MS take half the time to get to the point Burstrom is at now.
And if he continues at the rate he is now, in 10 years Burstrom will be dead.
“I don’t think many people realize MS is a fatal disease,” said Berringer.
The trip to India will be expensive. They estimate the total cost to be $35,000. Both Burstrom and his sister have used their savings to put towards the journey, but they still need help covering the rest of the costs.
“A lot of people have been very generous so far with contributions,” said Berringer.
They will be hosting a spaghetti supper March 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church to raise money for the trip.
Supper will be served continuously throughout the evening and good will donations will be accepted at the door.
