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Heritage Decks Ltd. 905-873-0368 Former hockey-playing buddies Al Lawr, left, and Rob Hamilton will fly to India Sunday to receive liberation treatment, an experimental procedure that opens up veins carrying blood from the brain to the heart of MS patients. The procedure, not available in Canada, has proven successful in many patients. Heritage Decks specializes in the design and construction of custom cedar decks and built-in spas. Every Heritage deck is meticulously constructed with top quality material and totally original design. Call for a free cheerful estimate. Ask about our lifetime warranty! 'Shop Local' EST. 1984 See customer testimonials and pictures at www.heritagedecks.com 3 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, August 12, 2010 Deck of the Week Lifetime Warranty Photo by Eamonn Maher Local men head to India for MS treatment not available in Canada Continued from pg. 1 St. Joseph's Healthcare. The treatment is not offered in Canada, and so far Saskatchewan is the only province to fund clinical trials for the promising new therapy. Hamilton was diagnosed with MS when he was 29 years old, and Lawr, six years ago. The two friends have known each other since they were kids. Both men have been off work since earlier this year due to the disabling disease that goes through cycles affecting vision, hearing, memory, balance and mobility. Hamilton required a wheelchair for most of January and Lawr often needs one these days. Both men were intrigued when they heard about the new treatment last year. "As I did more research I became skeptical until we had a friend, who we went to school with, had it done," said Hamilton. Hamilton said the procedure helped their friend, who lives in Hillsburgh. "She's got a lot of relief from some of her symptoms," said Hamilton. "Her quality of life has greatly improved. But it's not a cure and it doesn't work for everyone." Their friend also had the treatment in India, and Lawr and Hamilton decided to go to India as well, to a different hospi- Registered Massage Therapist ROBIN BANNON, cell: RMT tal however, where they have the capability to insert a stent if needed. The cost is $15,000, which they say they have come up with, and friends are raising funds for them. Lawr said the cost of the treatment is Weekend Appts. Available roughly equal to six months worth of MS drugs. · Ease Back, Neck, Shoulder Pain · Pregnancy Massage "I'm cautiously optimistic. I don't want · Carpel Tunnel · Tennis Elbow · 15 Minute Chair Massage to go there with the hope that I'll come · "GIRLS' NIGHT OUT" - In Home Parties back a new man," said Hamilton. "As long as it doesn't get any worse," 108 Main St. S. Georgetown added Lawr. Mon. - Sat. at Dr. Hassard's Office. They will undergo testing in India to determine if they are candidates for the treatment. Their families are very supportive of them going and they're both hoping for August 14th & 15th 10am - 5pm improvement, but they are also looking at · Demo bikes to try · Bike trials competition it as an adventure, and if there isn't any · Adaptive equipment · Exhibitors & Suppliers · Children's play area change, they say they'll have had a holiday · Free safety check for your · Wagon rides around the park in India. bike and helmets · Park exhibits open They should be back home at the end of August and will let The Independent & Free Press know if the treatment worked. "If it doesn't work we don't want people August 21st & 22nd 10am - 5pm wasting their money, if it does work we 8560 Tremaine Rd., · Authentic military camps · Expert commentary want people to go," said Lawr. · Park exhibits open · Battle re-enactment · Period music Milton "We just want to have a shot at being · Medical demonstrations · Country Canteen Open · Artillery, cavalry demonstrations · Kid's scavenger hunt & prizes just a little bit normal. We're just trying to 905-878-8151 get better. Both of us want our lives back," Check out our website for all our summer events! www.countryheritagepark.com said Hamilton. Daily admission: Adults $7, Children $4, Family Package: $20 (Some events differ) Programs subject to change. 416-710-4852 NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Spokes & Slopes Bicycle Festival American Civil War Re-Enactment e-mail: hassellsauto@bellnet.ca www.hassellautomotive.com Warranty Warranty Warranty 2005 MAZDA 3 HATCHBACK Air, Loaded, 5 Speed 2006 EQUINOX Low Kms, Loaded, Air, Auto $14,200 $9,300 2008 CHEV EXPRESS Air, Auto, Cargo, Side Windows $17,500 CALL