Related Stories
Man Who Was Paralyzed Receives Experimental Treatment, Can Now Use Hands
Key Excerpts from Article on Website of Huffington Post
Posted: December 19th, 2016
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/paralyzed-man-neck-down-...
A man who was paralyzed from the neck down can now operate his wheelchair and hug his family. Kristopher Boesen, who became paralyzed after a car crash, has become the first person in California to receive an experimental treatment made from stem cells. It has allowed him to use his arms and hands once again. The treatment is an injection that consists of 10 million AST-OPC1 cells, which are derived from embryonic stem cells. AST-OPC1 helps support the healthy functioning of nerve cells. In early April, a team at Keck Medical Center injected the treatment into Boesens damaged cervical spine. Three months later, he was able to do tasks like write his name. I couldnt drink, I couldnt feed myself. I couldnt text or, pretty much, do anything. I was basically just existing ... I wasnt really living my life Boesen [said]. And now, after the stem cell surgery, Im able to live my life. Boesens success stems from strength. Just before his twenty-first birthday, Boesen lost control of his car [and] hit a tree ... leaving him with severe injuries to his spine. His parents were told hed be paralyzed from the neck down, but they were also told that he qualified for a clinical study that could help. To participate, Boesen had to give voice confirmation that he wanted to be part of the study. The problem was that at the time, Boesen was using a ventilator to breath, and was unable to speak. Through sheer desire ... Boesen weaned himself off the ventilator in five days - a process that usually takes patients three weeks to complete.
Note: Explore a treasure trove of concise summaries of incredibly inspiring news articles which will inspire you to make a difference.
Related Stories
Top Inspiring News Articles
Top Inspiring News Articles from Years Past
