[INCREDIBLE VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Channel 2 News reported that a new experimental treatment for MS (multiple sclerosis) and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ) is giving patients new hope, including HaGaon HaRav Rafael Shmuelevitz Shlita, one of the roshei yeshiva of Mir Yeshiva.

The rav was diagnosed about four months ago. His speech was becoming increasingly difficult to understand and he was no longer capable of ambulating – he was confined to a wheelchair. According to the Mayo Clinic diagnosis, the rav was given 2-4 years to live.

Channel2:

Did you ever think you would walk unassisted again?

Rav S:

I hoped so.

We see him walking unassisted on the video and his speech has improved significantly. The video was taken in Hadassah Ein Keren Hospital last week, and only a month after beginning the experimental treatment, the rav is up and walking B’chasdei Hashem.

Prof. Dimitrios Karussis admits that he too is surprised, explaining that while he was hopeful he did not expect such progress in such a short period of time. The Greek-born professor of neurology has been spearheading research at Hadassah for close to two decades.

When asked if this represents a medical breakthrough, the professor cautiously explains that this would be premature as the testing is in the early stages, but he does believe they may be on the verge of a breakthrough and he remains optimistic.

The experts explain that treatment to date, such as that given to Stephen Hawking has only succeeded in slowing down the disease at best, and at Hadassah, with Hashem’s guidance they hope to find a way to reverse the destructive impact the disease takes on the body as is seen in the case of the rosh yeshiva shlita.

These tests are ongoing at Hadassah in conjunction with Brainstorm, in the hope of making the breakthrough that will save many lives and reverse the horrific effects of the terminal illness.

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(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)