A local man needs your help to get a potentially life-altering treatment for a debilitating condition.
In 2000, Airdronian Elmer Stang, 61, was diagnosed with mildly progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
He first noticed a dragging foot and difficulty sitting at his job driving a bus for Calgary Transit. He received his diagnosis after several months of frustration. As the years progressed, Stang’s symptoms have gradually gotten worse.
“Ten years ago, I couldn’t sit properly,” said Stang. “I didn’t know what was going on. It got to the point that…I could hardly sit at all.”
Stang is now confined to a wheelchair and suffers from burning sensations in his legs. He is no longer able to work and must rely on others to help him.
“Living with MS is a heavy burden,” said Stang. “After a while, you can’t do a lot for yourself and it is really hard on your family.”
Despite the suffering, Stang has maintained a positive attitude and has been active in the community, helping raise about $70,000 for the MS Society and remaining a huge part of his children and grandchildren’s life.
“My dad has been inspirational over the years,” said daughter Melissa Waschuk. “He never complains and has dealt with it. My dad loves people, and has been as active in the community as ever.”
For the first time in years, Waschuk says the family is hopeful, thanks to a new procedure being offered to MS patients. The procedure involves an angioplasty and is being conducted all over the world, including in clinics in Europe, the United States, India and Mexico. Recently, there have been stories in the media where people have had almost miraculous easing of their MS symptoms after receiving the treatment. Unfortunately, Canadian Health Care does not cover the procedure, so the family is hoping to raise $15,000 to send Stang to Poland for the operation in mid-September.
“There is just an element of excitement and an element of hope,” said Stang. “Having talked to patrons that have returned and listening to them tell their stories, it is so overwhelming. I can only hope I have success as others have had success. It helps people, they are seeing better, they are walking better, they are laughing more and they are getting a better quality of life.”
Stang is also hoping to convince the government to look into funding the procedure. He is hoping that if the procedure is successful, he can be a spokesperson for the treatment. Waschuk is hoping the treatment will help alleviate her father’s painful symptoms.
“It is just really exciting that there is now some hope for the disease,” said Waschuk. “Even if it is not a cure, even if it would alleviate some of the symptoms, that would be amazing.”
Donations to help Stang reach his goal can be made at the Bow Valley Credit Union, account 72021006261 or at the Royal Bank transit 00319, institution 003, account 5187-944-4 or you can donate in person at 123 Elk Hill.
