Oakleigh dad stunned at community support in MS battle
An Oakleigh father-of-three who is battling MS has been overwhelmed by the support of his family, friends and community as he prepares to travel to Russia for potentially life-changing treatment.
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An Oakleigh father-of-three has been blown away by the massive community response to his family’s plea for donations to combat an illness without a known cure.
About $40,000 was donated within 24 hours of a GoFundMe page being launched for Nick Dimos, who will travel to Russia to have a life-changing stem cell transplant aimed at stopping the progression of multiple sclerosis.
The 36-year-old said he was “absolutely dumbfounded” by the response.
“It is definitely the most humbling experience that someone can go through,” he said.
“I’m extremely grateful … people willing to do things for free us the most humbling thing – I’m just speechless.”
Mr Dimos said the donations and goodwill had spread beyond his immediate circle of family, friends and community.
“There are people who I was working with many, many years ago. Everyone is helping,” he said.
“There are even people I’ve never known or met who are telling me their stories and personal messages. It is absolutely amazing. Words can’t explain it.”
Multiple sclerosis is a condition of the central nervous system, interfering with nerve impulses within the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.
Mr Dimos realised something was wrong in August last year and is now losing his vision and ability to walk properly, while also suffering numbness in his hand and leg.
But his gratitude for the generosity of everyone around him is matched by a frustration that the treatment – haematopoietic stem cell transplantation – is not yet available in Australia, despite it being in operation in Russia for two decades.
A trial has been run since 2012 for MS sufferers.
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After trying medication without success, he was inspired to look at all options after his latest episode, wanting to be there for his children.
“I’m a numbers man,” he said.
“I did as much research as possible … MS has no cure, success is only slowing its progression.
“The sad thing with MS is you don’t know which nerve it will attach itself to and destroy.
“It could be vision, or it could be something which means you end up in a wheelchair.
“Unfortunately, you don’t know what tomorrow brings.
“HSTC has an 85 per cent halt rate – I’ll take those odds any day.”
Mr Dimos is hoping to raise $180,000. About $100,000 of that is for the operation – flights, medication and equipment – with the rest to cover life after they return.
“I will be out for work for six to 12 months. I’ve got a young family and my wife will be my carer, so we are trying to cover all medical expenses when I get back,” he said.
His procedure is scheduled for March.
To donate, visit the GoFundMe page.