P A T I E N T E X P E R I E N C E – A T A X I A

NAME: Valerie Crowter

COUNTRY: Canada

AGE: 51

REASON FOR COMING FOR TREATMENT: The patient suffers from hereditary ataxia. Her two daughters have both received stem cell therapy, with positive results. She considers stem cell therapy, "Her last hope" (see video 'Before 1').

TREATMENT: Umbilical cord stem cell and nerve growth factor injections, with rehabilitation therapy.

START OF TREATMENT: June 13, 2006

BEFORE THE TREATMENT:

See Videos: Before 1, Before 2

Symptoms were primarily motor and balance-related and include an inability to write due to shaking in the hands, 'scary' convulsions and a weak, unstable gait. She would need to use objects for support while walking, suffered from stiffness in the limbs and would tire quickly in therapy. Neurological difficulties include garbled/slurred speech and poor depth perception. In addition, she suffered from gastrointestinal problems and a low tolerance for heat. The patient's primary concerns were to see improvements in cramps, motor control and speech.

AFTER THE TREATMENT (July 15, 2006):

See Videos: After 1, After 2

The patient described her cramps as being "Much better," observing a huge reduction in frequency and severity, though they remain problematic in her hands. She exhibited improvements in her speech, something she described as "Better but not good," and writing - she can "Eek out" her name, which she reports as "Not perfect but better." Her balance and walking improved. The patient underwent a course of 6 injections, reporting initial improvements midway through.

China Stem Cell News Note: Val came for treatment with her son, Jason Crowter who also has the disease. Four of their relatives came before her for treatment for the same disease.