Stem Cell Therapy for Zach Standen
Donation protected
First we want to extend our appreciation and gratitude to everyone for all of the love, support and generosity that has been shown to our family during this difficult time. Now more than ever we will need you all.
We are appealing to all our friends, family and supporters of Zach. We are in discussions and communication with the Cell Medicine Institute in Panama and have made the decision that we need to pursue this line of treatment for Zach.
I spoke with the doctor, who would be overseeing Zach's protocol while there and would be performing most of the procedures and treatments, at length on January 13th. She explained that it is important to do the stem cell therapy within a year of the accident as this is when the most healing occurs and before scar tissue is laid down, muscle mass is lost and muscles begin to atrophy (seize up).
We have done much research into stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries here in the US and Canada and there just are no clinical trials or clinics that have the experience and track record like this one. Cell Medicine has been doing this specific treatment since 2006 and have a 60 – 70 per cent success rate of some kind of improvements in most patients within a year.
Ultimately our goal would be to go at least two times over a two year period to try to see some improvements and possibly a great success, although we are cautiously optimistic. Of course, insurance does not cover these procedures. Each procedure costs $37,200 which includes all the medical procedures, IV and spinal infusions, bone marrow cell harvesting, panels of bloodwork, 12 physical therapy sessions, 30 day hotel stay with breakfasts, transportation to and from airport, clinic and hospital, and follow up appointments via phone at 1 month, 3 months, 4 months, and 1 year. It does not cover flights or food.
We are hoping everyone reading this could donate $25. If 1600 people donate just $25 we could be ready to make the appointment and be on our way in a week or two. We are hoping to do this as soon as we can but can't do this without your help. We know it is a lot to ask but we are praying and hoping this isn't the end to Zach's story and progress. As of right now, there has been very little progress physically and I can't see him being like this for the rest of his life. No walking, no bowel or bladder control, no sexual function, no feeling. This is no way to live if we can help it, especially for a 17 year old. Thank you for your generosity, hope and continued prayers.
We are appealing to all our friends, family and supporters of Zach. We are in discussions and communication with the Cell Medicine Institute in Panama and have made the decision that we need to pursue this line of treatment for Zach.
I spoke with the doctor, who would be overseeing Zach's protocol while there and would be performing most of the procedures and treatments, at length on January 13th. She explained that it is important to do the stem cell therapy within a year of the accident as this is when the most healing occurs and before scar tissue is laid down, muscle mass is lost and muscles begin to atrophy (seize up).
We have done much research into stem cell therapy for spinal cord injuries here in the US and Canada and there just are no clinical trials or clinics that have the experience and track record like this one. Cell Medicine has been doing this specific treatment since 2006 and have a 60 – 70 per cent success rate of some kind of improvements in most patients within a year.
Ultimately our goal would be to go at least two times over a two year period to try to see some improvements and possibly a great success, although we are cautiously optimistic. Of course, insurance does not cover these procedures. Each procedure costs $37,200 which includes all the medical procedures, IV and spinal infusions, bone marrow cell harvesting, panels of bloodwork, 12 physical therapy sessions, 30 day hotel stay with breakfasts, transportation to and from airport, clinic and hospital, and follow up appointments via phone at 1 month, 3 months, 4 months, and 1 year. It does not cover flights or food.
We are hoping everyone reading this could donate $25. If 1600 people donate just $25 we could be ready to make the appointment and be on our way in a week or two. We are hoping to do this as soon as we can but can't do this without your help. We know it is a lot to ask but we are praying and hoping this isn't the end to Zach's story and progress. As of right now, there has been very little progress physically and I can't see him being like this for the rest of his life. No walking, no bowel or bladder control, no sexual function, no feeling. This is no way to live if we can help it, especially for a 17 year old. Thank you for your generosity, hope and continued prayers.
Organizer
Christine Standen
Organizer
Easton, CT
