Stem Cell Research and Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure

Stem Cell research has produced another miracle in the form of Adult Stem Cells. Mike Rumble, a dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure patient from Florida  is now reporting his ejection fraction has tripled after receiving stem cell therapy in the form of his own Adult Stem Cells.

I first featured Mike here in December 2008, Mike was treated by Vescell adult stem cells for his dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure in Bangkok, Thailand in May 2008. Now, 10 months later, Mike is doing much better.

Before Vescell stem cells

• Ejection Fraction at 10%

After Stem Cell Treatment using Adult Stem Cells

• Ejection Fraction at 30%

Second Time Adult Stem Cell Research Has Saved Him

This was Mike's second close brush with death.  The first came in 1989 when he was in the hospital for six months for AML Leukemia which he survived due to Adult Stem Cell research in the form of a bone marrow transplant.

More Energy Due to the Stem Cells

With the renewed energy and heart function given to him by the stem cells, Mike has been able to go back to work at his job as a professional chaplain where he counsels dying patients in hospitals and hospices.  Mike has also been able to open up his own counseling business.

Still More Hurdles After Stem Cell Therapy

However,  Mike isn't out of the woods yet.   Unfortunately, Adult Stem Cell research can't help with valve repair.  Therefore, Mike is trying to get into a clinical trial in which they use a special clip  to correct severe mitral valve regurgitation.  Mike hopes his condition will improve even more if he is able to do it.

Thanks to Vescell blog for the story
Mike also has his own personal stem cell therapy blog

Going to China for Adult Stem Cell research and treatment

Not taking no for an answer, a California family is going to China for the stem cell research that should help improve their son's life. Gryphon Klomp, a 2 year old boy living in Visalia, California will travel to China in April, 2009 to receive treatment in the form of umbilical cord blood stem cells to treat his cerebral palsy.

Blocked by the US FDA for stem cell treatment:

He's been blocked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration from receiving umbilical-cord stem-cell treatment for a combination of rare medical conditions, said his mother, Aleesha Klomp, a graduate of Golden West High School in Visalia.

"China is the world leader in the type of stem-cell treatment Gryphon needs," she said.

Such treatment has yet to be approved by the FDA, but the Klomps, who live in Hanford, are in no mood to wait.

From Jaundice to Kernicterus to Cerebral Palsy

Gryphon Klomp ran into difficulties 8 days into his life when his jaundice turned into kernicterus which in turn almost killed Gryphon. Gryphon was lucky to survive, but did suffer some brain damage and a form of cerebral palsy.

Community Helping Out For Cost of Stem Cell Therapy

The stem cell treatment and trip to China for the family will cost approximately $50,000, so the Klomps have held a series of fund raisers and with the help of the community have raised some of the money needed for the stem cell therapy in China.

80% Success Rate for Cerebral Palsy

Gryphon's mother states that the stem cell company in China has an 80% success rate of helping cerebral palsy patients and it is better done at an early age.

No stem cell research on offer in the United States

It is too bad that this family had to leave the country for the treatment. However, what did the US FDA have to offer as an alternative to improve Gryphon's condition? Any answers? I hear crickets.

I sincerely wish Gryphon the best on his stem cell treatment. It is already a story of triumph of what we can do when we come together. A family was in need and with the help of the community, may make their dreams come true. I hope to see updates of Gryphon's progress in the near future.

See the whole stem cell article here

If you want to help Gryphon, they have a website http://www.helpgryphon.com

That Help Gryphon website is also useful for those of you out there looking to raise money for possible stem cell treatments overseas.  They made cookies, had dinners etc.   Don't give up.  It can be done.

And for some success stories of patients with cerebral palsy, please see our Cerebral Palsy Stem Cell section.