Steve Vikse travelling to India in November for MS treatment
Fund-raiser at Donalda Hall Sept. 11
By Dan Jensen

Steve Vikse

Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

Camrose resident Steve Vikse will be travelling to New Delhi, India, this November, where he will receive treatment that, for some, has provided relief from many of multiple sclerosis' debilitating symptoms.

"It's a controversial step but it is one I am prepared to take," said Steve.

"I would rather stop (the MS) or put it on hold than be stuck in a wheelchair like some others who have MS.

"If it can slow down the progress it is all good."

The treatment helps improve blood exchange by opening blocked or narrowed veins using balloon angioplasty and stents.

"Common problems faced by people with MS are poor circulation, extreme fatigue, headaches and coldness in some parts of the body," said Steve.

"This treatment is designed to take care of that."

Steve was first suspected of having MS nine years ago.

"I was having difficulty with my movements," he said.

"They (doctors) waived it off at the time, thinking it might be MS or it might not."

The symptoms became worse after Steve was diagnosed with cancer.

"The after-effects of chemotherapy sort of woke everything up," said Steve.

Today, Steve uses a couple of canes to get around. He gets tired easily and experiences times when his feet don't want to lift off the ground.

"I have fallen face first onto the pavement a few times, which  is not nice but I figure I might as  well make the most of it when I am down there and look for coins," he said.

Steve first found out about the treatment from a friend in church who raved about what it had done for a girl in Birch Hills, Saskatchewan. The more he investigated, the more he liked what he heard.

"I found out that Scott Bratrud had gone to the exact same doctor in India, and spoke very highly of it," he said. "I also found out that Greg Yuha, from Bawlf, is going to be having the treatment in September. All of the people I have talked to about the procedure have reported good results and told me to have it done as soon as possible."

Steve's family members and friends are helping him raise the $25,000 treatment cost by holding a barbecue with silent and live auction at the Donalda Hall Saturday, September 11. Among the items that will be auctioned are a fertilizer bin valued at $18,000, paintings from Jim Brager, electrical and welding work, loads of shale, and boxes of hamburger patties.

"I am amazed at the work being done to put this together," said Steve.

"I can't say enough about my friends and family and people in the church for taking the initiative."

Steve believes dealing with a disease like multiple sclerosis, like cancer, is all about having the proper attitude.

"If you are really down about the situation it is not going to be a lot of fun," he said. "You have to take every day as it comes because it is really out of your control."

Donations towards Steve's MS Treatment Trust Fund may be made at any ATB Branch.