A little more than a month ago, I wrote about Dr. Bertram Lubin's successful stem cell treatments of sickle cell anemia in Oakland .  Here is one of his success stories.  This story is unique because 99% of the time, the patient has to leave the United States and go abroad  to receive repair (adult) stem cell therapy (something I am desperately trying to change!), but in this case, the patient and his family moved to the United States seeking (and finding) a successful repair stem cell treatment for his sickle cell anemia:

Edna Chang-Vega and her husband left behind good jobs, a comfortable home and extended family in Panama in the hope of obtaining better treatment for Isaac, who suffered from debilitating sickle cell anemia. Worried about Isaac's bouts with pneumonia and frequent hospitalizations, the family moved in with a cousin in Antioch. They figured someone in the United States could help ease Isaac's symptoms

"Everybody knows that the United States is a big, big country and they are very advanced in medicine," Chang-Vega said.

Their sacrifice would succeed beyond anything they could have imagined.

Isaac's story highlights the international draw of Children's Hospital Oakland. It also shows what Dr. Bertram Lubin, president of the hospital's research institute, hopes to accomplish through its new "global health initiative."

"What we do here really has impact throughout the world," Lubin said. "We're one of a few programs in the United States that's demonstrated that you can cure children with sickle cell anemia with either a bone-marrow or cord-blood transplantation."

Click here to read the whole uplifting article 

Suzanne Penney's first battle was with breast cancer. Aggressive chemotherapy stopped the breast cancer in its tracks. Unfortunately, that same chemotherapy brought on another form of cancer- leukemia. Regular readers of this blog know that repair stem cells are usually a boon to leukemia patients and such was the case here:

When Suzanne Penney was diagnosed with leukemia after she battled breast cancer, she decided to undergo an injection of umbilical (repair) cord blood stem cells and the procedure saved her life.

But, today, as Penney recovers in the hospital, doctors tell her that her leukemia is in remission.


“It turns out that in the umbilical cord blood there are a large number of potent stem cells that give rise to bone marrow, Dr. Edward Ball told the television station.

“Some people are shocked that I haven't blamed God and chewed him out, Penney said. “But so many good things came out of having breast cancer, so something better must be ready to come out of this. . . . And attitude is so important when you're fighting a disease like cancer.

This is the second day in a row (see below) where a repair stem cell recipient credits "attitude" for some of their improvement- and I believe them. I think a good positive attitude enhances the power of repair stem cells and helps the body heal itself.  This is a good lesson for all of us- whether we are sick or fortunate enough to be healthy, we should strive to be positive in our lives.  

Click here to read the full story and watch Suzanne on video

Steve Foster, of Bend, Oregon, a man partially paralyzed for more than 30 years recently returned from Mexico after receiving adult (repair) stem cell therapy. Foster lives by the motto "attitude is everything" and he took that attitude along with him to Mexico to receive stem cell treatment. Now, back in Oregon, Foster is in great spirits and his long-time friend is already noticing changes:

"I saw his arm relax the very next day down his side, which it has always been across his stomach and his voice was better three days after his procedure,"said Johnston.

Foster said, "Before I had to push the air out and now it feels a little more easier and a little less raspy."

Johnston says he can even walk up stairs with less of a struggle.

"He took his first step with his right leg instead of his left, which he hasn't done in 30-plus years," Johnston said.

And Foster said, "I feel more energetic, after I stretch. I have more movement and flexibility."

I'm much happier," Foster said. "I have hope, I have a vision...angels are with me."

Repair stem cells- giving another person hope and happiness. I love these stories!

This story is also on video- click on the link and go watch Mr. Foster and his "attitude."

Today, I bring to you a heart warming article chronicling the story of a 6 year old girl who went to China to receive repair stem cells to treat her septo-optic dysplasia which is related to Optic Nerve Hypoplasia.  This condition is a rare birth defect in which the optic nerve doesn't develop so it is unable to transfer information from the retina to the brain.  Sounds like a job for stem cell research:

Blue Springs, Mo.

Doug Black found out his daughter Lydia was blind when she was just 3 months old. Doctors told him there was no cure and no hope that she would someday see.

“They were very adamant about it, said Black, wrestling coach and special education teacher at Missouri's Blue Springs South High School. “They told us, There is just nothing you can do.(But that didn't stop Black and Lydia! Kudos to them for not giving up - DM)

And a good thing they didn't take no for an answer:
Since returning from China, Lydia's vision has gradually improved. The doctors who treated Lydia said they expect her vision to improve for up to 18 months after treatment. Black said the treatment is already having a huge effect on her life, and he is glad that she was able to receive stem cell treatment in China.  “(Before the stem cell treatment) Sometimes she would get in a big hurry and she would run into a wall, Black said. “She'd say, I hate that wall. I hate that. It hurts.You know that's sad. Now when you see her start to run around again, she stops and you can see that it's working. When it's hard on us, who knows how hard it is on her? I know I'd do anything for her, and I know her mom is the same way. 

Click here to read the full article 

I just came across this blog written by a mother of a child with autism.  Using a combination of mild hyperbaric oxygen and stem cell research in the form of adult (repair) stem cells, it seems the boy, Matthew, is making amazing progress.

Matthew's mother writes proudly of how her son has improved since going to Costa Rica to receive repair stem cell treatment for autism.  Here is an excerpt from her blog:

Since doing Adult Stem Cells....

1. Sleeping better
2. Much more social
3. Raising hand to ask & answer questions in class
4. Was able to remove mattress cover as he is no longer wetting bed
5. Less frustration
6. Did not have melt down during dentist appointment
7. Interested in more age appropriate activities (instead of toddler games/rides)
8. Beginning to understand stories and movies

We are very pleased!!!

Matthew's parents were so pleased that they are in Costa Rica once again so Matthew can receive a second helping of repair stem cells and are hoping for even more improvement.

Go visit the blog and read the whole touching story!