StemCell Therapy

A Melbourne woman is attempting to raise $170,000 for her sister to travel to one of the world's pre-eminent stem cell treatment facilities in an attempt to stop the fatal progression of Multiple Sclerosis.

Chantelle Baker was first diagnosed with MS in May, 2016. In a six month period, 79 lesions had developed on her brain.

"There is no medication to stop the progression of MS," Mrs Baker told A Current Affair.

Chantelle Baker, 41, is hoping to travel to Russia for stem cell treatment to stem the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (Source: A Current Affair)

Mrs Baker, her husband Dara, five-year-old daughter, Lilly, and younger daughter, Edie, are hostages to the hope that Russian doctors can achieve what Australia doctors cannot.

The cost is high, so Mrs Baker's sister, Maxine Parker, has set up an online fundraising campaign to raise the money on her sister's behalf.

"That's my job, I am her big sister," Ms Parker said.

"I have spent 17 years sharing the same bedroom with her growing up and there was no way I was going to let anything take her away from me and I still won't. I am determined to fight this all the way, side-by-side with her."

Mrs Baker's sister, Maxine Parker, has launched a crowd-funding campaign to pay for her sister's treatment in Russia (Source: A Current Affair)

But the cost is nothing compared to the regret the family would face if they didn't give it their all to get Mrs Baker to Russia for the ground-breaking treatment.

"I am scared of not being able to walk, I am scared of waking up one day and not being able to see my kids again because I have gone blind," Mrs Baker said.

"My worst fear is not remembering my children in four or five years' time."

Ms Parker said she would do anything to keep her sister active for her children (Source: A Current Affair)

NSW mother of two Nikki Tatum has just finished the treatment at the same stem cell clinic in Moscow that Mrs Baker is hoping to attend.

Ms Tatum is now back in Australia and will have to wait months before she knows if the therapy worked.

"I have just recently returned from to have HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Therapy) to hold the progression of my MS," Ms Tatum said in a video message to Mrs Baker.

"I just want to wish you luck for July and let you know that you have made the best choice. The doctors and nurses are just outstanding and you are definitely well looked after."

Mrs Baker, her husband and their children (Source: A Current Affair)

The video message affirmed to Mrs Baker that she was making the right decision.

"It definitely gives me hope. I know I am making the right decision and that is just verifying that I am," Mrs Baker said.

Mrs Baker's husband, Dara, agrees.

"We need to make it work. We need the treatment to work. But of course, I love her to death anyway," Mr Baker said.

Mrs Baker's family have set up a Facebook page where her journey can be followed, Chantelle Fights Multiple Sclerosis.

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