My Hope.

It is encouraging to see that Millions of dollars are now going to stem cell research at clinics, universities and biotech companies around the U.S. In many of the neurological degenerative disorders the researchers have already identified the genetic causes and see what happpens in the cells that contribute to Parkinson's, MS, Ataxia, Huntington's, and other movement disorder diseases. Armed with that knowledge, the challenge is how to reprogram the mal-functioning cells so they function as they should. The world of Stem cell research is opening up great hope of regenerating areas of the brain that are damaged from disease. It is my hope that all the researchers will unselfishly work together toward a greater common good that benefits many.

Stem Cell Research

I just read in the Newsletter, Bottom Line, (April 1st issue) that the Food and Drug Administration recently cleared the way to conduct the first human trial of a treatment using embryonic stem cells. Too bad they didn't have more details.
Although I have many concerns about embryonic stem cells, (ethical and medical) I see this as progress for treating many diseases. What they need to do is figure out a way to track the stem cells to determine if they are going to the part of the body that needs regenerating.

Climb Every Mountain

NATIONAL ATAXIA FOUNDATION had their 52nd 2009 Annual Membership meeting in Seattle last weekend. Close to 500 members and their families attended educational meetings, shared challenges, hopes and had a great time together. We all learned a lot from the MD's, PhD's, researchers and each other. Many families want to know more about Stem Cells and how they can play a role in regenerating the cells that are effected in the cerebellum and spinal column when someone manifests Ataxia. Next years meeting in Chicago should bring lots of new research and hopefully breakthroughs in the battle to find a cure for the many types of Ataxia.

New Website

In the next few weeks I will be launching a new website. It is designed to be wealth of resourses for people who have balance, mobility and flexibility challenges. I personally am living with Ataxia and have researched ways to exercise the body and mind to maintain my physical and mental abilities. I am focusing daily to improve my physical limitations.
Also, this week I will be attending the Annual Membership meeting for the National Ataxia Foundation in Seattle, WA. This is the first NAF meeting co-hosted by an international support group. If you are interested in attending go to http://www.ataxia.org/ to get details. It runs from 3/19-3/22.
NAF is a world leader in Ataxia research and information.
NAF is dedicated to improving the lives of persons with Ataxia through support, education, and research.
NAF is working hard to find treatments and a cure for Ataxia.

New Website

Hope Abounds with Ban on Stem Cell Research

Thank you President Obama for lifting the ban on research using Embryonic Stem Cells!!! Thank you former first Lady, Nancy Reagan, for praising President Obama. This is obviously not a political issue, but a medical research opportunity that will create hope for many people living with degenerative diseases, spinal cord injuries, diabetes,Alzheimer's and even some cancers.
My brother has been to China twice in that last 12 months, and I have been there once for stem cell transfusions. A biotech company in China has received millions of dollars from the Chinese government to do the proper research and now are years ahead of the U.S. I invite anyone to go to their website to read all about their program. www.beikebiotech.com Please read my earlier entries on this blog for more information. There were people in Hang Zhou from all around the world. Many people saw improvements in their conditions.
Stem Cells are going to help many people in this world, and I do hope that Biotech companies in the United States have the finances and support to make a cutting edge contribution to further the use of the miraculous Stem Cell.

TIME Magazine

This weeks TIME Magazine has the Stem Cell Coming Revolution on the cover and as it's feature article. Douglas Melton, co-director of Harvard's Stem Cell Institute, has worked unrelentlessly with stem cells for the better part of two decades. Exciting progress has been made. The article says, "it is now possible for researchers to churn out unlimited quantities of a patient's stem cells, which can be turned into any of the cells that the body might need to repair or replace." "It is a wonderful time for the stem cell field. Keep on your seat belt, because this ride is going to be wild." says David Scadden, co-director with scientist Douglas Melton of the Harvard's Stem Cell Institute.
For those of us who have Ataxia, MS, Parkinsons, Diabetes and many other uncurable diseases, this is music to our ears and hope of the near future. The journey to recovery is getting closer every day.

Stem cell treatment in China

How did I decide to make the journey to China? My brother took the first leap of faith and scheduled his trip for July, 2008. I scheduled my trip for the Fall, leaving October 22 and returning to the U.S. November 20th, 2008. I can only speak for myself, but those 25 days in Xiaoshan Hospital exposed me, and my dear friend Priscilla who accompanied me, to a staff of trained nurses and doctors who were attentive, professional, caring and positive every step of the way. They answered all my questions with the help of a translator, and thoroughly explained ahead of time the procedure for each of the stem cell transplantations. Each of my 5 procedures went flawlessly. One procedure is very new and the doctors are encouraged by the research. First bone marrow was extracted from my hip. Those cells were sent to their labs where they harvested stem cells from the tissue, and grew the number of stem cells over a 5 day period. Then I received my own stem cells back in a spinal column transplantation. The 4 other procedures were umbilical cord blood stem cells tranplanted in the lumbar with a shot or needle.

The doctors explained that the new stem cells go to the areas of weakness in the body. They should continue to regenerate for 3 to 6 months. I was told to exercise and work out daily. This is very important to encourage the growth of the stem cells.

I have been home 2+ months. My speech and general articulation is clearer and not as labored.
My stamina and general endurance is much better and holding. My balance when walking and going up and down stairs is about the same. Some days are better than others. Stem cells are not a cure, which I knew before I went to China, but they do have great promise for improving the quality of life.

We are on the dawn of a new age. The medical field is going to see many great things happening with the research of stem cell. Please notice that no where in this blog did I refer to embryonic stem cells...that is because they were never used.

From October 24-November 20, 2008 I had the unigue opportunity of being a patient in the Xiaoshan Hospital in Hangzhou, China. I had made a decision to be a pioneer in the research of Stem Cell treatments. A biotech company in China is doing clinical research with humans using stem cells from umbilical cord blood and tissue. I invite anyone to go to www.beikebiotech.com and www.stemcellschina.com. You can read about the history of the company, the co-founders and read testimonial blogs from past patients.
Why did I spend 25 days in a hospital in China? My brother and I have an inherited genetic disorder called ATAXIA. It is a central nervous system disorder that is progressive. Similar to Parkinson's or Multiple Sclerosis, and many other autonomic or central nervous system diseases there is no cure yet.
Beike Biotech is pioneering in the research with trained doctors and nurses to transplant umbilical cord stem cells into the lumbar or spinal column. The stem cells are known to go to an area of weakness, and regenerate the tissue.