I Might Be Part of History!

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(04-12-2017, 09:32 PM)BFritz21 Wrote: You hear someone say "stem cells" and you think of paralyzed people getting feeling again below their level of injury and you think it's amazing but most people never look into it any further.

My aunt sends my mom this information on a stem cell study out of San Francisco that they're doing with brain injuries and suggests that I should apply.  I apply out of respect for my aunt but I'm thinking "I'm missing chunks of my brain, what could stem cells do?"  I also figure that there would be thousands of applicants, so no way I'd be selected.

I look it up and find that the stem cells would (hopefully) actually repair the parts of my brain that are damaged and then also grow back the parts of my brain that are missing.  

I start getting interested and read more into it and find out that it has worked on animals and now the study that I applied for would be the first human trials.

Thousands of applicants, though, so no chance I'll be selected, right?

Except they contacted me, did a follow-up interview (via webcam, which was interesting seeing as how I sound like Chewbacca when I try and talk   ), and then requested my medical records, brain scans, and everything else!

Still more steps to go, but I'm missing chunks of my brain and have heavy damage to other parts, but I can still function, so I'd be PERFECT to be in the first group to receive this treatment!  

The steps left are that we're waiting for my medical records, brain scans, etc., to be delivered here from University and Children's in Cincinnati so we can mail them out to San Francisco, then I'd need to be evaluated by doctors and specialists, and then they'd drill holes in my skull and and insert the stem cells.

They're just starting with a group of four or five, with one participant being the placebo, which would suck if I make it that far and then I'm the placebo (they obviously don't tell you), but to even be this far is AMAZING!

I love my life, so, while it would be amazing to be able to walk and talk again (and have my memory and intellect back to how it was pre-tree), this isn't even about me, it's about the millions of people that suffer from traumatic brain injuries that it could also help now and in the future.

I could be part of something that changes the world!  

Any prayers or just good thoughts would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

I volunteered for medical research once with the hope of helping others. The research did help others, and I benefited from being a participant as well. You have the right attitude. Good luck with the process Brad.