USA

1 and 1/2 years old

Optic Nerve Hypoplasia

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Condition Before Treatment

Jaden was born with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH), a congenital condition that is caused by an underdevelopment of the optic nerve. This can result in vision impairment and hormonal abnormalities. In Jaden’s case he had very slight light perception and his developmental milestones such as walking and crawling were delayed.

There is very little that conventional treatment has to offer for those suffering from ONH. Jaden’s mom, Jill, discovered “It was just wait and see, it was the only answer we got. I took him to three or four different doctors. And always the same answer. So basically the way we found out about stem cells in China, was my mom came across something. I can’t remember if it was on the TV or what, but anyways, we started researching it from there.”

Soon after that they decided to bring Jaden to China to receive stem cell treatment.

Treatment in China

Jaden received adult stem cell injections along with acupuncture, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Condition After Treatment

Jaden had little difficulty with the treatment and his family enjoyed their stay in hospital. On living in China for a month, Jill said “It was scary at first, just because you are in a different country, but as soon as we got here and got outside of the hospital, I felt safe. I mean, it is definitely a culture shock, but as far as China, the Chinese people and everybody here at the hospital, they have just been wonderful. The translators have been great translating. I would come back in a heartbeat.”

While at the hospital, Jaden’s parents also saw some changes in his reaction to light. “We believe we have seen changes as far as him looking directly at you instead of trying to find you, and tracking a body. Like if you walk past him, he will follow you a little bit and he did not do that before. My cell phone as well, he will follow it. He’s not reaching out for toys yet and that’s what I hope for when we get home, that he will start reaching out for toys and grabbing them.

"We also have a light that changes colors and we are testing him with. He will follow it, and he will stare at it. So we know there is something there.”