NAME: Justin

COUNTRY: Canada

AGE: 1.5

DIAGNOSIS: Spinal Muscular Atrophy – Type 1

REASON FOR COMING FOR TREATMENT: Justin was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, a genetic disorder that causes motor neuron death and subsequent weakness in a child's muscles. Justin's parents knew something was not right when Justin started exhibiting some of the symptoms of this disease--such as weakness in the limbs and a weak cry--at a young age. He was diagnosed with SMA1 at about 7 months. His parents sought out different therapies for him but they could not find any that slowed the progression of the disease. While searching for more information, they discovered that several children with SMA1 had been treated with stem cells in China and had seen significant improvements.

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

 
BEFORE TREATMENT: Justin's muscles were weak throughout his body. He was unable to sit up, role over or lift his head. He also had little coordination in his limbs and was only able to grasp objects for a brief period of time. Though beginning to speak and quickly learning new words, his voice was very soft and weak.

AFTER TREATMENT: After completing a three week long series of stem cell treatments in China, Justin had many improvements in his condition. His voice was much louder and clearer. He gained strength throughout his whole body and was starting to reach milestones that his parents were afraid he would never achieve. He was able to sit and hold his head up with only slight assistance for significant periods of time. Previous to the stem cell treatment he would have immediately slumped forward when put in a sitting position. He was also starting to roll from his side to his back. He was able to reach for things with more coordination and bring objects to his mouth. His core strength had improved to the point that he was able to hold up his knees while lying on his back. Justin's parents were happy to see the progress their son had already made and were excited about discovering what new things he would be able to accomplish in the future.