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[Tina]

IMYN

Osmond Family Medical Crisis
Airdate: 5/5/2008

Donny and Marie may be the stars of the Osmond family, but their eldest brother Alan was always the leader of the group.

He was with his famous brothers during their first TV appearance and was also part of the group during its heyday.

Today though, Alan must use a cane to get around because he is battling Multiple Sclerosis and has difficulty walking. Despite that hardship, the 58-year-old refuses to sit at home.

He was able to sing during an appearance on Good Morning America in March 2008, although he did it with his cane. He even plans to go on tour celebrating the Osmonds' 50 years in show business. It was his little brother Donny and sister Marie who encouraged him to go back on the road.

In an exclusive interview with INSIDE EDITION, Alan says, "When Marie and Donny told me we're not going on without you, you know how that made me feel?" The star broke down in tears as he relived the moment.

Alan is also getting encouragement from his sons, who surprised INSIDE EDITION cameras during our sit-down interview with their famous father.

One of Alan's eight children, Nathan, spoke to INSIDE EDITION's Jim Moret about his dad. "It's exciting to see him get back on stage," said Nathan.

But Alan credits his dramatic improvement with a twice weekly injection of an experimental treatment called "SF 1019." He claims it boosts his immune system to help fight the progressive nature of MS. The treatment is still in the testing stage and is not approved by the FDA. Alan is an advisor and a major shareholder in the company that makes the serum.

The change in his physical strength is dramatic, Alan says, reaching out to give Moret a firm handshake. With his new strength Alan is ready to get back on stage for the return of the Osmonds!

http://www.insideedition.com/news.aspx?storyID=1654