" Everyone came here with a condition of their own, but everyone became cheerleaders to each other, to help each other get better. We became a family support group to where we’ve supported one another’s needs with a positive attitude, and acknowledging their accomplishments that they’ve made, and I am better. "
"Her world is a happier place now... it's enhanced her quality of life."
Cchris, Michaela's Father
Condition Prior to Treatment
Michaela Sky is a surviving twin born 16 weeks premature who developed Secondary Dystonia. The condition is marked by uncontrolled and repetitive muscle movements and contractions. Without being able to use muscles in a normal manner, people with Secondary Dystonia face further developmental challenges. People with Secondary Dystonia often receive a cocktail of drugs designed to control their specific muscle behaviors. These medications often have side-effects which require further medication to control.
Michaela's father described her muscle skills as "very robotic. Every movement was a very big effort." Her legs were stuck in a scissors-like position. Her joints gave her a lot of pain, always in a locked position. Her father hoped that the stem cell treatments would help avoid the need for a "pump in her back" to administer drugs.
Michaela's condition requires near-constant attention from her caregivers. Prior to stem cell treatments she slept poorly, her bowels always required attention and feeding her was a challenge. "She was like a Raggedy-Anned doll," her father said. "She had no control of her mid-line; no control of her trunk."
"Little changes lead to big changes."
Course of Treatment in China
Michaela has traveled to China twice for cycles of umbilical blood stem cell transplants. During each cycle she received IV and spinal injections of donated adult stem cells and participated in physical therapy. Her first treatment was in 2009 and her second in 2011.
"Kids with special needs have a mind of their own. Don't treat them like they don't exist."
Condition Following Treatments
Stem cell therapy for Secondary Dystonia does not offer a cure but seeks to alleviate symptoms of the condition. Michaela still uses a wheelchair. She still faces challenges similar to those faced by people with spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy.
But Michaela can also use a walker now. After the the first treatment her muscle control improved to a level where she stand in a walker and propel herself about in it. He said "She has more control of her posture. More control of her limbs. She eats well. She sleeps well," all things presenting significantly greater challenges prior to the treatments. Many parents eventually choose surgery to install a feeding pump in
their children to help minimize the hours of the day required to feed
them.
She's now a happy eater. She eats everything except bananas.
She can hold her head and hands much better. While she can't feed herself yet, her ability to interact with objects is now a work-in-progress rather than an impossibility. Cchris tells us "She has a strong back. She has strong control of her trunk." The pain in her joints has been reduced. "Look at what she has accomplished in such a short time," Cchris says. His hope is to continue to avoid the need for medicine pumps and feeding tubes.
Angelica suffered brain damage due to lack of oxygen and was diagnosed with PVL or Cystic Periventricular Leukomalacia.
Condition Prior to Treatment
Angelica was virtually inactive. Her mother Roxanne told us, “her arms were clinched, her legs were just there and she could do that for hours. For days that's all she did."
Angelica had very little head movement. Her eyes flickered back and forth.
Treatment in China
Angelica received 6 packets of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells via IV and lumbar puncture. She also received daily physical therapy, acupressure, and traditional Chinese massage.
Condition Following Treatment
Angelica's mother Roxanne noticed changes in Angelica immediately following treatment. She told us Angelica “never used to stand. She started standing. She's rolling over now, and she used to barely be able to lift her head off the ground."
Angelica "developed a personality" while receiving therapy in China, and began expressing likes and dislikes.
Angelica's family is already planning a return trip to China. Her mother Roxanne said “the amount of change she's gone through has given me a new life."
Summer was born premature and suffered head trauma in the birth canal causing a grade 4 bleed in her brain. At 17 months of age, she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy with Spastic Quadriplegia.
Condition Prior to Treatment
Prior to treatment, Summer was unable to stand independently. She had poor head and trunk control. Summer had limited movement in her left arm and hand. She had high muscle tone.
Treatment Received in China
Summer received IV and LP injections of donated umbilical cord blood stem cells along with physical therapy.
Condition Following Treatment
Following six weeks of treatment Summer’s parents identified several improvements or “things that she couldn’t do before that she’s able to do now.” Hyper-tonicity in her left hand and arm reduced significantly allowing her to control her motions in ways she never has before. During electro-wave therapy Summer began responding to sensation in her legs.
Summer’s neck strength improved significantly allowing her to keep her head up far longer than before. Her energy levels went up as well.
Seth's video can be played by clicking the Play button on the image above. Please give the video a moment to load. Can't see the video? Click here to find out why. Watch the video at Vimeo directly here.
Diagnosis
Seth was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia.
Condition Prior to Treatment
Seth had very limited light perception in his left eye. He was not able to sit up alone, crawl, walk, or talk.
Treatment Received in China
Seth received 7 IV stem cell transplants.
Condition Following Treatment
In China, Seth's family noticed that his eyes began to dilate. After returning home, Seth began to reach for objects. His family noticed that he was more active.
Seth has started making more sounds and is trying to communicate more with his family. His speech therapist has noticed a big improvement in his speech and communication skills.
Seth can now sit up and hold his head up easier. He tries to feed himself. Seth's doctors have hope that he will walk in the future.
