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| Travis Carter Back in Hamilton |
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| Vendredi, 24 Novembre 2006 08:00 | |||
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There are no translations available. Source: ANcaster News Embattled eight-year-old could return home as early as today An eight-year-old Ancaster boy with a terminal disease is back in Hamilton earlier than anticipated following his groundbreaking surgery in Beijing, China. Travis Carter, a Grade 3 student at Holy Name of Mary, returned to Hamilton one week early following experimental neural stem cell surgery in China on Nov.1. His parents say the surgery is their only option to help Travis fight the effects of Batten's disease. As a safeguard, Travis was admitted to McMaster Children's Hospital and put under quarantine. Travis' father, Derek, said he hoped Travis could be released from hospital as early as today. Travis is the first Canadian child to receive the experimental stem cell procedure, which is not yet approved in Canada. The Carters must now wait to see the full effects of the surgery. "It's a matter of us just watching him, Mr. Carter said. "We hope the treatment will stop the disease and in a best case scenario, help Travis regain some of the functions he lost." Travis lost his speech and vision about one year ago. Mr. Carter said Travis has shown some signs of improvement so far. "We've noticed he's a lot more alert. We hope that's a good sign," Mr. Carter said. Travis will undergo follow-up MRIs to find out if his new stem cells are working properly. In laymen's terms, his surgery aimed to replace neural stem cells that no longer functioned properly with new stem cells. Batten's sufferers seldom live past age 10. The disease destroys brain cells, causing the deterioration of speech and motor functions. During the two-hour surgery, doctors drilled holes into Travis's head and injected millions of stem cells intended to copy the functions of damaged cells. Conditions were difficult in China for Travis and his mother, Jenny. Many basic necessities had to be rationed and heavily armed guards surrounded the military hospital. But Mr. Carter noted that hospital staff have treated the family well. If all goes well, Travis could return to China for another treatment to implant more stem cells deeper into his brain. Mr. Carter said the family is grateful for the support of the community but cannot allow visitors into the home for at least one week. Travis' immune system is weak, leaving him so susceptible to illness that even a mild cold could be fatal. For more information on Travis' condition, visit www.travisbattle.com. Donations to Travis can be made at any TD Canada Trust branch through account number 202-621-7336.
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