Wheelchair-bound Morecambe woman in £30k bid for specialist treatment abroad
A fundraiser has been launched for a Morecambe woman with MS to get specialist treatment not available on the NHS.
Sarah Burns, whose little sister Samantha Burns has MS said: “Samantha is 36 years old. She played football in school, danced until the sun came up in her late teens, she had dreams of being a firefighter, she spend years caring for other other in a facility for people who couldn’t help themselves. She is also a mum, a partner, a daughter, a sister, an auntie and a friend.
“Sam was the sort of friend who always showed up, had your back and would drop anything to help anyone. She isn’t able to be that person anymore.
"She is someone who should still have so much life ahead of her.
“But 13 years ago a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis has changed almost everything.
“She lives with constant pain and severe spasticity. Her body is fighting against her every minute of the day. It never stops. Sleep is difficult. Movement is difficult. Things that most of us do without even thinking have become exhausting or impossible.
“She is now wheelchair-bound. Her days consist of medications, doctor’s appointments, pain and sleep.
“As her big sister, one of the hardest things in the world is watching someone you love suffer and knowing you can't simply take that pain away from them.”
Sarah said that despite everything MS has thrown at her, Sam is still fighting.
She said: “We are now at the point that we have exhausted what the NHS can offer in the UK.
“We've found a specialist clinic in Cyprus, SOZO Brain Center, offering an intensive personalised treatment programme using neuromodulation.
"The treatment is aimed at helping people with neurological conditions with symptoms such as spasticity, pain, sleep difficulties and motor function.
"The first date we have been offered for this is the end of November so our deadline is short!
“The treatment and travel are expensive, and it's more than our family can afford on our own. That's why I'm asking for help.
“This money will fund Sam’s treatment, travel expenses, hiring of equipment for use in her hotel and anything else related to this.
“Please help us give her a chance.”
To donate to Sam’s fundraiser which has already raised over £4,500 visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-sam-hope-the-ms-story?