So, i have been given a lot to think about lately. I inquired about some information on stem cell treatment in China. Well, there are treatment centers in Mexico and China. We chose China to inquire about. Through a fellow spina bifida mama, i gathered some info and went forth with contacting a representative, Keith. Yes, Keith is a nice guy, very informative and quick to answer emails. So i went ahead and did some more research and filled out the medical info and forms to see if Samantha would even qualify. They haven't done stem cell treatments on very many spina bifida kids, but just in the past year, there have been a few. I have a few emotions right now. I am nervous, happy, and excited all at once. I am nervous 1. because i don't like to fly, 2. possible side effects or long term problems from the treatments 3. going to a foreign country 4. putting Samantha thru something that may not work at all!
Well, did some research on side effects, no one has had any trouble beside less than 1% having a fever or headache, and the most part 96% of over 12,000 people who have gotten stem cell treatment had no adverse reactions at all. Hey! thats pretty good. Also, everyone i have seen that has been treated with spina bifida have seen positive results! Thats pretty good too!!
Well, another concern is the cost! Hmmm, Hmmm yeah, i have to find ways to raise nearly $30,000! That's just for 6 treatments, more if we get more treatments. So I have started on that, but am just waiting and making sure Samantha gets accepted. So if she does, i have made my mind up, in concurrence with my husband, that we will proceed with fundraising and go to China for a month!
Yeah, i could look at is as, i could just accept Samantha the way she is, which i do, of course. But, what if. . . . What if i just sit back and do nothing. . . . then we make just our regular progress, still not much movement in her feet! I dream of her walkig without braces and wiggling her toes! Most of all, i think what if she could feel to go to the bathroom all by herself! I am my child's biggest advocate, through hours of therapy, she and i, she can walk with her pink crutches and her afo braces. Without those 2 important items, she crawls around the house. Yes, she can pull up and balance a while without holding onto anything, but those 2 items she depends on to keep her upright and mobile! Wouldn't it be awesome to hang those scratched up stickered up crutches as a momento of something Sam use to have to use! Not something she has to use. . . Just sayin'
3 comments:
Your daughter is so adorable. I love those pink crutches..when I was her age I used under arm crutches that were brown and wooden..nothing like those cute pink ones. I am now 41 yrs old and walk with braces and crutches and I am very happy..never in a million years would I want my parents to change who I am today..I am just sayin' Love your daughter for who she is not for who you want her to be..she can be anyone she wants to be just the way she is with SB..we learn to adapt to the "normal" world. Life with SB is not terrible its just the way it is like I said I am 41 and have lived my life to the fullest. Ok enough said. Again your daughter is adorable.
I am so happy that you will do anything for your daughter to have the best quality of life she possibly can and that she will be who she is supposed to be because you gave her the best life possible!
Thank u Kristin!
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