The Denver Post caught up with two fifth-grade boys and their families who spent their summer in Germany. The trip was no cultural excursion, or sightseeing adventure - it was medical tourism. Born with cerebral palsy, best friends Dominic King and Harrison Spiers visited a European stem cell treatment center where each received injections of their own stem cells. Already the parents have observed progress in both boys.
Looking up now
A slow-motion ballet is unfolding on a gym mat in the family room of Dom inic King’s Englewood home.
Cradled in the arms of physical therapist Kelly Leid, 10-year-old Dom inic rolls gracefully, stretches, pushes, bends, holds — to the accompaniment of his friend, Harrison Spiers, in the next room cheering on the Rockies in his best stadium voice.
The moves may look rhythmic and effortless, but they are hard, tiring work — work that would have been harder, if not impossible, three months ago.
Dominic, like Harrison, has cerebral palsy. And when the boys started fifth grade a few weeks ago, they had amazing stories to share about what they did over summer vacation: After months of fundraising, the best friends went to Germany with their families for a stem-cell treatment that their parents hope will be as life-changing as it is groundbreaking.
Now, back home, their big adventure is behind them. And the work is just beginning. continue
See also: Hope for ischemic brain injury, Stem Cell Research a Miracle for Aussie Toddler with Cerebral Palsy, and XCell-Center Presents Positive Results from Cerebral Palsy Stem Cell Treatment
H/T to Save the Cord
Please let me know how they are doing. I have an 8 yr old boy with cerebral palsy and I am looking into the center in germany. I would like to get in contact with their mothers to know how everything went and their opinion of the place.
Comment by laura — September 30, 2009 @ 7:55 am |
Hi Laura – our best to you. I think if you email the author of the story at the Denver Post, she’ll more than likely forward your info or email to the parents. They would probably love to hear from you and answer your questions!
Comment by benotafraid — September 30, 2009 @ 12:28 pm |