21-year-old Vanessa Spah from Eisenstadt suffers from a rare genetic defect. There is no cure for it. However, she could now participate in a study to test whether drugs that are already on the market can help. However, there is a lack of financial resources to participate.
Vanessa Spah, now 21, has been living for years with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), a disease in which muscles, tendons and ligaments slowly become blunt. Her life is shaped by limitations, pain and therapies. Two cases are known throughout Austria. She often has to rely on specialists abroad for health problems.
hope for family
Now Vanessa would have the opportunity to participate in a drug trial. The aim is to find out whether drugs for cancer or Alzheimer’s patients can also lead to treatment success with FOP. A ray of hope for the family.
“If it helps, it’s good, if not, at least we tried,” says mother Anita Schmid. The investigation will last two years and will start on April 25. This requires a trip to the Netherlands and regular appointments for checks afterwards.
Vanessa possible participant
Because the disease is not too advanced yet, Vanessa would be suitable to participate. The knee joint, the right hand and the back are ossified, her mother reports.
However, the family cannot cover the travel costs alone. Schmid therefore appealed. “I need what I earn to live. Nothing works there. I see no other way out,” said the mother.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
