Latest News
July 23, 2007
I am seeking medical help outside of the established medical paradigm,
and I need your help.
To Further complicate things I have some lower back issues which seem to be confusing the problem. This looks like it may likely require surgery in the near future. However in my current state surgery becomes a shakey proposition, so I am trying to regain my health as much as possible before hand. This may also help me avoid surgery, which in my current state would be a blessing.
On Tuesday July, 24th my wife and I will be traveling to Southern California to The Brain Therapeutics Medical Clinic, to seek the care of Dr Steenblock, (a pioneering medical doctor in integrative therapies) I will be looking to get Stem Cell Treatment, through his practice. I may get the therapies now, or this may be an exploratory trip to see what loose ends on my health I may need to tie up in order to get the most out of the therapy.
I was originally referred to Dr Steenblock for stem cell therapy through the Century Wellness Clinic in Reno Nevada, which I was treated at in 2006. The nutritional based approach was very helpful in stablizing my condition. Unfortunately a bad experience with Physical rehab which set me back and undid much of the gains I saw through the Century Wellness Clinic. Yet I have still continued my health based approach, with the idea that I wanted to have an optimal condition for stem cell treatment. More information available on my website conqueringms.com
The Therapies that I will be receiving include using CD34 and CD133 Umbilical Stem Cells (link), this will be followed up with bone marrow stem cell treatment using my own bone marrow. Finding a less toxic stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis "MSCs have a direct immunomodulatory effect that occurs independent of any chemotherapeutic drug or cytotoxic agent."
Stem Cell Therapy In Multiple Sclerosis - Now It Is Time To Really Start
I will also be receiving a platelet rich injection at the site of my lower back to help stabilize any issues I am having there. There is more to tell on this but I will try and write more in the future.
Stem Cell use has certainly been a source of controversy, yet many of the available therapies actually come from sources of little ethical dilemma.
Sources of Stem Cells:
Autologus - Stem Cells derived from/Using a persons own (Stem Cells), such as bone marrow, skin etc. This source of stem cells provides a source that is less prone to rejection.
Umbilical or Cord Blood - Stem Cells derived from the Cord Blood of newborn babies. These are actually considered adult Stem Cells, although they may contain embryonic like stem cells. The Cord Blood must be screened and processed to prevent potential reactions.
Embryonic- This is the source of most of the controversey and confussion surronding the stem cell debate. The fact is, that Embryonic stem cells, at this time, may not be a suitable candidate for human therapies as they have such a high rate of proliferation which may lead to a possible cancerous state. This high rate of proliferation is however why researchers find them so appealing, and has proven a highly usable medium in the research arena. While it is important to respect peoples beliefs on this issue it may also be pertinent to point out that extra embryos that have been created in fertility clinics, have been destroyed for years if not decades before the issue of Embryonic Stem Cell Research had arisen. In a recent survey of Fertility Clinics found that up to 60% of infertile parents would donate their extra embryos to research. Embryonic Stem Cells are not the only source of available Stem Cells, and in such should not be used as a reason to exclude all Stem Cell research.
The therapy I will be receiving is free of Embryonic Stem Cells and not an ethical hurdle.
How you can help.
Donations;
There are several ways to help through donations. By visiting conqueringms.com, we have set up a link to make donations including a way to make Tax deductible donations.
Make a donation directly to Conquering MS, through the conqueringms.com help page.
Make a tax deductible donation through the Eric Drew Foundation, through a link found on the conqueringms.com help page.
Add the banner for donations found at http://www.conqueringms.com/donate.html to your web site or Myspace page. Just copy and paste the provided code, a link with the banner will appear on your page, no need to save the image or anything.
We have also started an eBay account for Conquering MS and would be glad to accept donations of goods and or services for auctions.
Keep positive thoughts and prayers for my family and I.
My Wife has broken the expenses down as follows
Funding needed
$100 rent a wheel chair
$1,050 travel (flight, hotel, car)
$2,500 bone marrow transplant
$500 platelet rich injection
$14,000 2 vials umbilical stem cells (1 injection, 1 intravenous)
$18,150 Total donations needed
$22,000 (Total needed if donating through EDF, but it's fully Tax Deductible!)
This seems like a huge number, but 200 people donating $100 will pay this off!
Please visit her page for additional information http://www.myspace.com/redbekah
I want simple things in life. To walk on the beach with my wife and to go kayaking with my son. Please help this dream come true.
It will not be wasted or unappreciated.
Thank You
Michael Swift
P.S. I will have to avoid sources of Electro Magnetic fields for a while after the procedure, and will not be able to be on the computer. So, if there is anyone out there that wouldn't mind helping me write and post stuff please contact my wife through her page.
Click this button to make a donation, or for
the code to add it to your page or site.
