Family and loved ones of Comox Valley woman Sharon Youngman will hold a silent auction this week to raise money toward treatment for multiple sclerosis.
The silent auction will be at the Whistle Stop Pub in Courtenay this Friday and Saturday starting at 6 p.m. each day.
Youngman has been to Vancouver for preliminary testing of MRI and CCVIS (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency), her family says. Testing revealed a complete five-inch-long blockage in the jugular vein, and she is considered a good candidate for surgery and liberation therapy.
The cost of surgery and airfare to India for her to receive liberation therapy will be $20,000, the family adds.
While the Canadian government announced in late June it would fund clinical trials exploring liberation therapy, it remains unavailable to Canadians.
Youngman was diagnosed in 1988 with MS, which can cause pain, fatigue, swelling, cold limbs and foggy thinking.
The family says the wheelchair-bound Youngman, who has two children, is unable to hug or cuddle her two young grandchildren.
Her family is asking for one or two gift certificates to add to the silent auction. If you wish to help, phone Muriel at 250-334-2384.
Donations can be made to the Coastal Community Credit Union (account 100020767669).