Briar sends thumbs up from Russia
Local MS patient fundraised for treatment
The word from Russia is that Briar Novis’ stem-cell treatment is going as planned. The Whanganui woman travelled to Russia last month to begin treatment for multiple sclerosis which is not available in New Zealand.
Novis was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) four years ago and since then her health has been in decline.
She decided to get treatment overseas after she learned of others with RRMS getting it successfully treated in Russia.
Novis’ mother, Cherry Novis, travelled to Russia with her and said her daughter had had the treatment and was now out of a 10-day isolation.
“Briar has had her stem-cell treatment, which went well,” Cherry Novis said. “She has now emerged from 10 days in isolation which Briar said went quickly. While in isolation only staff are allowed into her room. She is now allowed visitors and out into the lounge as long as she wears a mask. Her immune system is gradually building up and today she has one final infusion before we leave Moscow on Tuesday for our flights home.”
Once they return from Russia, Briar will be in isolation in her home for up to three months so people will not be able to visit her for some time.
Cherry Novis said it had been an emotional and stressful journey with many happy moments for their family.
Over months of fundraising events as well as a Givealittle page, the family managed to raise $80,000 for the Russia trip. It was less than the initial target of $95,000 but it was enough for the cost of the treatment, which was about $77,000.