I Might Be Part of History!

[BFritz21]

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!

[*wildcats forever*]

You've got all of the positive thoughts, hopes, and prayers I can muster, Brad. Please keep us posted as this develops.

[BFritz21]

(04-13-2017, 01:01 AM)wildcats forever Wrote: You've got all of the positive thoughts, hopes, and prayers I can muster, Brad. Please keep us posted as this develops.

Thank you very, VERY, VERY MUCH!!!!!!

I wasn't just sitting around and hoping for some miracle cure to come along because I didn't think it was possible, but now that it seems like it could be possible, I've never been so excited about anything in my life.

If it doesn't happen, it will be sad, but nothing lost and I'll go on, but this could be incredible.

Once again.........  THANK YOU!!!!!

[Storer50]

Brad, never talked to you on here, but have followed your journey. I really hope there is something good happening here. You are a fantastic dude, and deserve the best.

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[BFritz21]

(04-13-2017, 03:56 AM)Storer50 Wrote: Brad, never talked to you on here,  but have followed your journey. I really hope there is something good happening here. You are a fantastic dude, and deserve the best.

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I appreciate it more than you'll ever know.

I believe in this now so much after doing all the research and I'm so pumped for it that I'm just assuming that I'm getting it and it will work, which may be setting myself up for disappointment, but, after everything that's happened in my life, this kind of hope is so incredible that it's impossible not to be excited for it.

[hollodero]

(04-12-2017, 09:32 PM)BFritz21 Wrote: Any prayers or just good thoughts would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!

You have my good thoughts. Wish you all the best.

[Sabretooth]

Sounds promising Brad, someday you may be mentioned along with Henrietta Lacks.

Hope things go well for you and society.

[*Wyche'sWarrior*]

Prayers and best wishes coming your way Brad.  Keep us updated.

[Au165]

Good luck. I will say you may want to continue with a skeptical optimism. As you even said there is a relatively decent chance (Statistically speaking) you are a placebo. The other thing is there is a chance it will not work. For your sake I hope everything works out, but from a mental health standpoint don't go to deep down the rabbit hole of thinking everything is going to be better.

[Vas Deferens]

Looking forward to hearing more brad. Stem cells have made huge gains recently. It's a shame certain interests have stunted the advancement for purely ideological reasons. Hope all goes well.

TBH, selfishly I've always hoped for new tech to help your cause if only to bolster certain feuds around here, but I admit there would be other benefits. Just don't tell the DMV and keep your van.

Cheers bud!

[oncemoreuntothejimbreech]

Best wishes.

[xxlt]

(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.

[jfkbengals]

It's about time people are getting serious about stem cell research. Best of luck!!!

[BFritz21]

Thank you all VERY MUCH! I'd give all of you rep but I'm replying from my phone at the gym now because the internet at my place isn't working (Cincinnati Bell is making me want to kill someone).

This would be yet ANOTHER miracle along my journey- the first of which was me even living through the first few hours after the wreck when doctors said I would be dead shortly-so I've been VERY lucky, but it feels like it's destiny at this point.

(04-13-2017, 09:57 AM)Au165 Wrote: Good luck. I will say you may want to continue with a skeptical optimism. As you even said there is a relatively decent chance (Statistically speaking) you are a placebo. The other thing is there is a chance it will not work. For your sake I hope everything works out, but from a mental health standpoint don't go to deep down the rabbit hole of thinking everything is going to be better.

It has worked on animals and the science behind it is legit, so I have faith that it will work in some capacity at the VERY least.

And I could statistically be the placebo, but I won't be.

People without faith don't have much in life. I've always been a "hope for the best but plan for the worst" kind of guy, but this is meant to happen for me.

(04-13-2017, 10:23 AM)Vas Deferens Wrote: Looking forward to hearing more brad. Stem cells have made huge gains recently. It's a shame certain interests have stunted the advancement for purely ideological reasons. Hope all goes well.

TBH, selfishly I've always hoped for new tech to help your cause if only to bolster certain feuds around here, but I admit there would be other benefits. Just don't tell the DMV and keep your van.

Cheers bud!

As long as you're pulling for me, even if it's so you can go back into other forums on here and say "I TOLD YOU SO!" I'll take it!



CHEERS!!!!

[BengalsRocker]

Good Luck Brad !

I hope your journey again helps not only you, but others as well.

I'm sure you have already affected some of those you have spoken to in the past.

Keep on keepin' the faith!

Let us know your progress. It is indeed interesting and hope filled.

[JustWinBaby]

Great and exciting news!

Best of luck to you.

[BFritz21]

Thank you all very, very, VERY MUCH!!!!!

[BenZoo2]

Good luck fritzie, glad to you here


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[BFritz21]

(04-14-2017, 03:31 PM)BenZoo2 Wrote: Good luck fritzie, glad to you here


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Thank you very much! Happy to be here! I missed my family on here!

[BFritz21]

(04-14-2017, 10:33 PM)Tiger Teeth Wrote: Duly noted.  And by the way, welcome back.

Happy to be back.

Big things, besides from just this, have been going on for me!