This is part one in a two-part series looking at the controversial Liberation Treatment for multiple sclerosis and the experiences of two Chilliwack residents. Part one tells the story of Monica Braun, who received the treatment this summer. Part two will tell the story of Jeff Donegan, who is currently fundraising to pay for the treatment.

Monica Braun walks down the street with a smooth and steady gait that looks as normal as anyone.

But not for long; the fatigue and numbness brought on by Braun's multiple sclerosis (MS) quickly takes over and robs her of that freedom of movement. After a while her left leg will be overcome with a condition known as "foot drop" and her right leg will start to drag.

"I used to be able to run five kilometres and do it on a daily basis," she said. "Just this past year, I'm lucky if I can walk 500 metres. . . . If I don't watch where I'm going I start wandering and look like I'm drunk."

Braun was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS seven years ago, which means her symptoms come and go. Those symptoms include chronic fatigue, bladder issues, spasticity in her legs and varying degrees of numbness over three-quarters of her body, particularly her hands and feet.

In November 2009, Braun first heard about the controversial treatment designed by Italian surgeon Dr. Paolo Zamboni known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) or Liberation Treatment.

She closely watched the media coverage and online discussion about the treatment, always with a desperate hope that the Canadian health care system would make it available.