Help send Mary to Russia for HSCT treatment

My cousin, Mary Philippou, 34, has been battling Multiple Sclerosis (MS) daily for 12 years.

MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system begins to attack the myelin, the protective insulation of the nervous system. These attacks cause scarring (sclerosis) that leads to various neurological symptoms such as tremors and loss of vision, to difficulty with walking and speech.

Both in August and September, Mary suffered two massive relapses affecting her brain stem, which caused vertigo, dizziness and weakness up and down the right side of the spine and leg.

Unfortunately, these episodes are becoming more and more frequent, resulting in Mary resigning from her much-loved career and unable to care for her family, Joe (husband), Isaiah (5 years), and Samuel (7 months).

With her most recent major regression in her ongoing battle with MS, Mary, is now desperately seeking treatment for her condition. This means, leaving her husband and children behind and travelling to Russia with her Mum alongside supporting her, to undergo Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) treatment in the hopes of getting better.

Alfred Hospital neurologists have agreed that her best chance of halting the disease and increasing functional recovery was Russian HSCT, a chemotherapy-based therapy that mobilises, treats, and re-introduces stem cells to halt disease into remission.

HSCT has been used on over 3000 patients for MS, proven to halt disease in greater than 90% of cases, however it must be self-funded at an expense of over $100,000 AUD plus additional Covid-19 precautions.

Recovery will consist of 6-12 months of strict isolation (whole family), constant blood tests for immune recovery, physiotherapy and lots of rest.

Australia does not offer this treatment to the public.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for MS however this treatment can offer Mary a chance at enjoying a life without the burden of pain and disabling symptoms.

Mary's initial transplant date was August 2022. The Russian haematology team expedited it for November 30, 2021 due to sudden deterioration, latest MRI results and the critical window for reversing disability -- so there's a lot to organise in 7 weeks!

Those who know Mary well, know how incredibly strong, intelligent and resilient she is. She is a certified green thumb and continues to nourish her body with her home grown fruits herbs and vegetables. As she would say, “you see a weed, I see medicine!”

Mary has always maintained a positive attitude and mindset despite her circumstances. She continues to live life her way and is not defined by her condition. Despite being tired of fighting she is strong and determined to embark on this brave journey.

I hope to help Mary and her family raise some money to assist with the significant costs associated with her treatment especially due to the incredibly short notice.

Mary and her family have always been so generous and kind and have never failed to support their loved ones in times of need. I truly hope they are now able to receive the same support they so desperately need.