From a Sister’s Viewpoint

So, when my big brother Stan told me in 1995 that he was diagnosed with MS, I cried for a week. My background as a Physical Therapist showed me first hand the debilitating effects of this terrible disease, so I was familiar with the road he was traveling.

Last year, when Stan started to tell me about his research of adult stem cell therapy, I supported his efforts. When he asked me to accompany him to Mexico, I felt honored and excited to experience this journey first hand.

It seemed like an eternity to plan for the trip to Mexico, but as I was driving to DIA on Jan. 22 to pick Stan up, it seemed almost surreal that the time had finally come.

Of course, being the Physical Therapist I naturally am, I had to test his balance, strength, range of motion, and coordination before we left on our trip. We documented it well to compare to the results following the stem cell therapy.

So, as we set out on our trip to Tijuana, my head was filled with cautious optimism and my heart was filled with prayerful hope.

As Stan already described his daily experiences and facts in his blog, we were treated with incredible hospitality and respect. Everyone was very friendly and made us feel at home. The medical staff always answered all our questions and even went out of their way to find answers if they were unsure.

It was hard at times to watch Stan get all his injections and have some adverse side effects, but I knew all was going to be all right as he kept his positive attitude. I prayed as the hole was drilled in his tibia to obtain the stem cells, and I prayed even more as they poked a tube into his spinal canal. Being in the medical field has its disadvantages, as I also know the risks involved with these procedures. But, the doctors were very knowledgeable and skilled; their God-given talents were being used in a perfect manner.

As I saw the miraculous results of the stem cell therapy begin to unfold the next morning, I jumped up and down with joy, gave high fives, and gave thanks to God. I expressed my gratitude to all the staff, in both English and Spanish!

The day after the stem cell procedure, after Antonio did manual therapy and exercises with Stan, tears filled my eyes as Stan easily stood up off the floor in a well balanced manner and walked without limping to the bathroom! I said out loud, “Did you see that?!” Dr. Andrade was also very excited, telling me that I was the expert to notice those details. After that, Dr. Andrade kept asking me what progress I observed. Antonio had explained to me the first day that he was not trained the same way that I was. He explained in his broken English that he received his knowledge of his manual skills from his father, his grandfather, and God. He certainly has the healing touch.

Having Dr Andrade pray before the procedure and giving thanks in Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with Antonio on Friday were very special times.

The Physical Therapy test results for balance were incredible, going from 44/56 on Jan 22 to 54/56 on Jan 30. Stan’s strength and sensation have improved, as well as his gait pattern. He still has a lot of work ahead of him, with daily exercise routines, healthy eating habits, vitamin/homeopathy regimens, decreasing stress, and practicing his Spanish, although I think he finally learned the handshake! I know that he has great friends and family who love him and will be supportive in these efforts. Thank you for that! Also, thank you so much for all the financial donations which helped make this trip possible. We will continue fund raising efforts to reach the goal. Most importantly, thank you for your prayers. God certainly has been listening!

So, after I drove Stan to DIA to return home on Jan 30, reality finally set in. Stan had successfully received adult stem cell therapy, with the help of his family and friends and God, and he is on his way to once again having a healthy, active life.

As I continued driving home, I said another prayer of thanksgiving and this time, the tears rolling down my cheeks were tears of thanksgiving to God and tears of joy!