Tony's Battle with MS
Donation protected
Tony suffers from Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition that has no medication or cure available. MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms in general, may include loss of balance, impaired vision/hearing, fatigue, extreme muscle weakness and, in some cases paralysis. This disease affects everyone with MS differently.
Tony has been suffering from this disease since the year 2000, when at 27 years of age he was given the heartbreaking diagnosis. The future he once imagined was stolen, replaced by one spent in a wheelchair. In the last 16 years, Tony has travelled to the United States for 3 CCSVI treatments (Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency--a treatment based on a theory discovered by Dr. Zamboni). Unfortunately, these treatments did not give Tony the results he hoped for and the disease has drastically progressed.
Currently, the disease has advanced so much that it has left him mostly confined to a hospital bed. Tony no longer has the ability to move his arms or legs nor is he able to hold his head up-right. Probably the most difficult change Tony and his family have had to deal with is the loss of his voice. Tony always had a funny comment or story to share. He could always make you laugh and light up any room with his constant smile! Even now despite his suffering he still continues to smile. Now, Tony can barely whisper and struggles to communicate, as his lungs and muscles are not strong enough to activate his voice box. Tony is resigned to a life of silent communication. As a result of this muscle weakness, his ability to consume food is also compromised. The biggest struggle Tony currently faces is the lack of esophageal strength to properly ingest food. His diet has become a serious concern and his food has been altered to be in "puree" form. Tony has drastically lost weight and has lost most of his tissue and muscle mass.
Tony is blessed with a beautiful family, his wife, the sole income provider and 2 young children ages 6 and 11. The family’s goal is to keep Tony comfortable at home so he can remain a part of his childrens’ lives and keep him from getting ill due to his weakened immune system.
As a result, this debilitating illness has forced Tony’s family to alter their living conditions in order to assist and support his well-being. Tony’s quality of life has been compromised and he relies on the support of a caregiver to help him with ALL of his daily needs. For these reasons, this donation page has been started. The financial burden placed on Tony’s wife is overwhelming. On one income, Tony’s needs as well as the needs of his family are at risk.
Any donations received will go directly to improve Tony’s quality of life and help keep him comfortable in his home with his family. The funds will be used for:
*Additional medical equipment and assistive/communication devices for the home to keep Tony comfortable and monitor his health;
*Caregiving needs and costs (since they have increased due to the most recent decline in Tony’s health); and
*Modifications to the entrance of the home in order for easier and safer accessibility in/out of the home to allow Tony to get outside for a breath of fresh air.
Your generosity will go a long way to help Tony and his wife continue their vow to fight this battle with MS.
Your kindness, thoughtfulness and prayers are very much appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
The Fundraising Committee "Matta's Angels" and
The Matta Family
Note to all donors, the funds for this campaign will be handled by myself, Josie Matta, Tony's wife.
"Don't count the days, let the days count"
Tony has been suffering from this disease since the year 2000, when at 27 years of age he was given the heartbreaking diagnosis. The future he once imagined was stolen, replaced by one spent in a wheelchair. In the last 16 years, Tony has travelled to the United States for 3 CCSVI treatments (Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency--a treatment based on a theory discovered by Dr. Zamboni). Unfortunately, these treatments did not give Tony the results he hoped for and the disease has drastically progressed.
Currently, the disease has advanced so much that it has left him mostly confined to a hospital bed. Tony no longer has the ability to move his arms or legs nor is he able to hold his head up-right. Probably the most difficult change Tony and his family have had to deal with is the loss of his voice. Tony always had a funny comment or story to share. He could always make you laugh and light up any room with his constant smile! Even now despite his suffering he still continues to smile. Now, Tony can barely whisper and struggles to communicate, as his lungs and muscles are not strong enough to activate his voice box. Tony is resigned to a life of silent communication. As a result of this muscle weakness, his ability to consume food is also compromised. The biggest struggle Tony currently faces is the lack of esophageal strength to properly ingest food. His diet has become a serious concern and his food has been altered to be in "puree" form. Tony has drastically lost weight and has lost most of his tissue and muscle mass.
Tony is blessed with a beautiful family, his wife, the sole income provider and 2 young children ages 6 and 11. The family’s goal is to keep Tony comfortable at home so he can remain a part of his childrens’ lives and keep him from getting ill due to his weakened immune system.
As a result, this debilitating illness has forced Tony’s family to alter their living conditions in order to assist and support his well-being. Tony’s quality of life has been compromised and he relies on the support of a caregiver to help him with ALL of his daily needs. For these reasons, this donation page has been started. The financial burden placed on Tony’s wife is overwhelming. On one income, Tony’s needs as well as the needs of his family are at risk.
Any donations received will go directly to improve Tony’s quality of life and help keep him comfortable in his home with his family. The funds will be used for:
*Additional medical equipment and assistive/communication devices for the home to keep Tony comfortable and monitor his health;
*Caregiving needs and costs (since they have increased due to the most recent decline in Tony’s health); and
*Modifications to the entrance of the home in order for easier and safer accessibility in/out of the home to allow Tony to get outside for a breath of fresh air.
Your generosity will go a long way to help Tony and his wife continue their vow to fight this battle with MS.
Your kindness, thoughtfulness and prayers are very much appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
The Fundraising Committee "Matta's Angels" and
The Matta Family
Note to all donors, the funds for this campaign will be handled by myself, Josie Matta, Tony's wife.
"Don't count the days, let the days count"
Organiser
Josie Matta
Organiser
Woodbridge, ON