Cameron's Journey

So very thankful for all of you!

2009-11-25T19:55:00.001-08:00

I am very Thankful that one year ago at Thanksgiving Dinner, I asked my friend Donna Haynes what she thought about the www.recoveringmatthew.blogspot.com that I sent to her. She said she believed that it would work for Cameron too & said that she would help me do the fundraising that we needed in order to get the stem cell treatment for Cameron. She has worked so hard this last year helping us and so has her family, The whole gang has been amazing supportive. I am so Thankful for every single person who helped us to raise the money to get the treatment done. Especially Donna, Eric, Jamie, Schelly & her dad, Mica, Jim Corbin & the wrestlers, The Ky Bikers association, Richard & Effi, The Corvette City Bop Club, SKTPA, Sheila, & My incredible MOM who has worked tirelessly!! Thank you Tami Milam & Daniel Faiella for being pioneers and advocates for stem cell treatment and for sharing your childrens storys and success with me. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in this effort, I am Blessed with the most amazing family and friends that anyone could ask for. I love you all!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Study Shows Autism Numbers Up, Some Parents Concerned

2009-10-06T19:29:00.001-07:00

Study Shows Autism Numbers Up, Some Parents Concerned

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WBKO News Story Oct. 6, 2009

2009-10-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

Study Shows Autism Numbers Up, Some Parents Concerned
A new study is showing some startling numbers -- that one-in-91 children is diagnosed with autism.
Posted: 6:40 PM Oct 6, 2009
Reporter: Daniel Kemp
Email Address: daniel.kemp@wbko.com

Story 0 Comments Font Size: A new study is showing some startling numbers -- that one-in-91 children is diagnosed with autism.

The study released Monday uses data from the federal government's 2007 National Survey of Children's Health.

Those numbers amount to more than one-percent of the U.S. population of children, ages three-to-17.

They're alarming stats to one mother whose son battles autism every day.

"It's not going away. Every year the numbers go up," said Dana Emmitt-Hall, mother of Cameron Hall, who suffers from autism.

Each week, the five-year-old goes to TJ Samson Rehabilitation, where he works on living with autism.

For Dana, new numbers showing a significant increase in the number of children with autism is no surprise.

"When Cameron was diagnosed three years ago, the rate was 1 in 186. Just in the last three years, the rates have doubled," she said.

Therapists work with kids like Cameron every day, focusing on activities others may take for granted.

"They work on social skills and learning to refrain from saying things that might offend other people," said Angela Bass, an occupational therapist who works with Cameron.

Bass says kids living with autism are unique and intelligent, but finding a way to that information is key.

"I think they're very interesting kids. It's just like a puzzle that you just have to try and piece together to try and get to them," Bass said.

Cameron's mother says without more resources, the number of those diagnosed with autism will continue to climb -- something she says health officials just aren't prepared for.

"It's like we're the only ones who truly understand what's going on with our children. We're developing our own coping strategies. We're there to support each other because nobody knows what your journey is like unless you're on the same journey," Emmitt-Hall said.

It's a journey Cameron and his mother will continue to travel raising awareness all along the way.

"The earlier we can reach these children, the better chances their recovery are," Bass said.

Despite the increasing numbers there's still no known cure for autism.

Dana Emmitt-Hall hopes to fight her son's battle with autism with an experimental and costly stem cell procedure next month overseas -- one that's not approved in the US.

Watching Stem Cells Repair the Brain

2009-08-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Watching Stem Cells Repair the Human Brain
Monday, August 17, 2009

TAU researcher shows viability of bone marrow stem cells with unique MRI tracking methods

There is no known cure for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. But new hope, in the form of stem cells created from the patient's own bone marrow, can be found — and literally seen — in laboratories at Tel Aviv University.

Dr. Yoram Cohen of TAU's School of Chemistry has recently proven the viability of these innovative stem cells, called mesenchymal stem cells, using in-vivo MRI. Dr. Cohen has been able to track their progress within the brain, and initial studies indicate they can identify unhealthy or damaged tissues, migrate to them, and potentially repair or halt cell degeneration. His findings have been reported in the journal Stem Cells.

"By monitoring the motion of these cells, you get information about how viable they are, and how they can benefit the tissue," he explains. "We have been able to prove that these stem cells travel within the brain, and only travel where they are needed. They read the chemical signalling of the tissue, which indicate areas of stress. And then they go and try to repair the situation."

Tracking live cells in the brain

Dr. Yoram Cohen

To test the capabilities of this innovative new stem cells, Dr. Cohen created a study to track the activity of the live cells within the brain using the in-vivo MRI at the Strauss Centre for Computational Neuro-Imaging. Watching the live, active cells has been central to establishing their viability as a therapy for neurodegenerative disease.

Dr. Cohen and his team of researchers took magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and used them to label the stem cells they tested. When injected into the brain, they could then be identified as clear black dots on an MRI picture. The stem cells were then injected into the brain of an animal that had an experimental model of Huntington's disease. These animals suffer from a similar neuropathology as the one seen in human Huntington's patients, and therefore serve as research tool for the disease.

On MRI, it was possible to watch the stem cells migrating towards the diseased area of the brain. "Cells that go toward a certain position that needs to be rescued are the best indirect proof that they are live and viable," explains Dr. Cohen. "If they can migrate towards the target, they are alive and can read chemical signalling."

An ethically viable stem cell

This study is based on differentiated mesenchymal cells (MSC), which were discovered at Tel Aviv University. Bone marrow cells are transformed into NTFs-secreting stem cells, which can then be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases. This advance circumvents the ethical debate caused by the use of stem cells obtained from embryos.

Although there is a drawback to using this particular type of stem cell — the higher degree of difficulty involved in rendering them "neuron-like" — the benefits are numerous. "Bone marrow-derived MSCs bypass ethical and production complications," says Dr. Cohen, "and in the long run, the cells are less likely to be rejected because they come from the patients themselves. This means you don't need immunosuppressant therapy."

Working towards a real-life therapy

Dr. Cohen says the next step is to develop a real-life therapy for those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. The ultimate goal is to repair neuronal cells and tissues. Stem cell therapy is thought to be the most promising future therapy to combat diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and researchers may also be able to develop a therapy for stroke victims. If post-stroke cell degeneration can be stopped at an early stage, says Dr. Cohen, patients can live for many years with a good quality of life.

In collaboration with Dr. Cohen, this work on tracking live stem cells in the brain was done by Noam Shemesh, a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Chemistry at Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Ofer Sadan from the group of Drs. Daniel Offen and Eldad Melamed from the Felsenstein Medical Research Center at the Rabin Medical Center.

©2009 American Friends of Tel Aviv University, All Rights Reserved.

autism Cure?

2009-08-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

Autism and Stem Cells

2009-08-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

« newerautisable's weblogolder »
Monday, 03 August 2009
Autism and Stem Cells - Part 1From: Dr. Chun Wong

Everyone has heard of stem cell research and how some scientists believe that stem cells can be used to treat, cure or fix certain diseases and conditions like cancer and cerebral palsy, but now stem cell therapy is also being linked to developmental disorders like autism.

But what are stem cells?

Stem Cells
Stem cells are cells that are found in most multi-cellular organisms and they are characterized by their ability to self-renew through a process called “mitotic cell division” and the way that they can differentiate into a wide range of specialized cell types in the body.

There are three types of stem cells:

Adult stem cells - These cells are also known as somatic stem cells or germatic stem cells and are found in adults and children. Adult stem cells have been used in research for many years and are used to treat bone and blood cancers like leukemia, through bone marrow transplants, and are also used to treat ligament and tendon injuries in horses. Adult stem cells can actually be obtained from the recipient themselves, via autograft, so this obviously reduces the risk of rejection and is not fraught with the ethics and controversies of using embryonic stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells - Embryonic stem cells, or ES cells, are cells that are “harvested” from embryos which are at the blastocyst stage (4-5 days after fertilization). ES cells are “pluripotent” meaning that they can differentiate into all of the types of cells in the body, whereas adult stem cells can only form a limited number. The use of embryonic stem cells is controversial because taking the cells destroys the embryo
Cord blood stem cells - These stem cells are found in umbilical cord blood and are known as “cord-blood-derived embryonic-like stem cells” or CBEs. Scientific research has shown that these stem cells have the advantages of embryonic stem cells (they are more versatile than adult stem cells) without the disadvantage of having to destroy an embryo. Cord blood stem cells can be saved at birth, stored and even multiplied without any harm to the baby or mother. With cord blood stem cell “banks” becoming more popular, it will mean that it will be easier to find tissue matches for patients needing stem cell treatment.
That sounds complicated doesn’t it? Well, to put it more simply, stem cells are the building blocks of our body. In an embryo (at blastocyst stage), they are like tiny blank slates, meaning that they can change into any cell, tissue or organ of the human body. These little, but powerful cells get busy creating all the parts of the body that the developing fetus will need. In us adults, they are our repair kits of toolboxes, regenerating cells which have been damaged by daily wear and tear, injury or disease.

The Medical Use of Stem Cells
Due to their amazing powers and capabilities, known in the medical world as “plasticity” or “transdifferentiation”, stem cells are being used to treat many different types of diseases and are also being used in research.

As I have already said, some stem cell treatment, such as bone marrow transplants, is already commonplace and taken for granted, but now there are all kinds of stem cell research programs going on around the world. Scientists are examining whether stem cells can be used to treat other types of cancer and diseases, whether they can be used to treat damage to the spinal cord and nervous system, and whether they have a role in treating developmental disorders like autism. Just imagine how this therapy could turn back the clock for people - Alzheimer’s sufferers could get their memory back, a paralysed person could have their spinal cord repaired and be able to walk again, a burns victim could get new skin…Wow!

Autism and Stem Cells
But what is the link between stem cell treatment and stem cells?

Well, scientists like Dr Leonard Smith (a gastrointestinal, vascular and general surgeon) and his team of researchers believe that autism is characterized by:-

Hypoperfusion - A reduction in the amount of oxygen supplied to the brain. A reduced oxygen supply causes damage to the tissue of the brain and means that the brain can no longer function properly.
Immune Dysregulation - Abnormal immune responses. The child’s immune system does not function properly and does not respond appropriately to the stimulation it receives. Children with autism can suffer with autoimmune responses, chronic inflammation in the brain and gut (leading to all manner of gastrointestinal problems) and suppressed immune systems.
Dr Smith and his colleagues have identified two types of stem cells which they believe are effective in addressing these two characteristics of autism:-

CD34+ cord blood stem cells - Dr Smith’s colleague Dr Fabio Solano injected this type of stem cell into a patient to improve blood flow to the brain and therefore increasing the brain’s oxyegn supply.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) - This stem cell has been used in the past to treat immune dysregulation in Crohn’s Disease sufferers and was used by the research team to treat inflammation in autistic children.
You can read their research and findings at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/5/1/30#IDABE20Y

Watch the video above to see how a little girl’s autism was successfully treated by adult stem cells given to her by Dr Fabio Solano.

But is stem cell therapy a cure for autism and is it even a viable treatment?

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C-Span Senate subcommittee hearing on autism

2009-08-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

archived on CSPAN - Senate Subcommittee hearing on Autism
Posted by: "Ann Brasher" anagramy@bellsouth.net anagrammys
Wed Aug 5, 2009 11:54 am (PDT)

http://www.c-span.org/Watch/Media/2009/08/05/HP/A/21787/Senate+Appropriations+Subcmte+Hearing+on+Autism+Research.aspx

The helicopter Ride

2009-08-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I had to keep Cameron very busy to make him happy this summer. One of the adventures was to take a helicopter ride. We flew over the Smokies. He did fine without crying or anything but he did cover his eyes once. I don't blame him.

Cameron's favorite subjects

2009-08-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

He is very intrested in Bubbles, Space and Animals. We tried to get alot of adventures in this summer that would allow him to expand his knowledge in these areas. Kelsey has also picked up the hobby of collecting rocks! We have had alot of fun learning all about these new subjects.

Link to WBKO Footage

2009-07-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.wbko.com/home/headlines/51819112.html#

WBKO Transcript

2009-07-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

Barren County Family Hoping to Help Son's Autism with Stem Cells Save Email Print

Posted: 6:37 PM Jul 27, 2009
Last Updated: 6:46 PM Jul 27, 2009
Reporter: Daniel Kemp
Email Address: daniel.kemp@wbko.com

0 comments

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The family of a young boy is hoping to help fight their son's battle with autism, with an experimental stem cells procedure.

Since the treatment is not approved by the FDA in the U.S., they'll have to go to Peru for it.

At just 18-months, little Cameron Hall was diagnosed with autism.

His mother has researched the condition tirelessly and is now hoping this new procedure will open up the doors in her son's young life.

"He's very intelligent. He's extremely intelligent, but he can't express that," said Dana Emmitt-Hall, who is Cameron's mother.

Four-year-old Cameron is fighting a battle with autism.

"Children with autism do not engage socially, the way you and I would engage socially," Emmitt-Hall said.

Dana says Cameron often keeps to himself and has trouble eating.

"We can't go out to eat, we can't go to the movies or amusement parks," she said.

So she's hoping an experimental stem cells procedure will help.

"You don't leave a stone unturned. You try everything that you know to try, anything that you think will help," she said.

A neurosurgeon will inject stem cells into Cameron's spinal cord taken from cord blood banks, here in the U.S.

But it's a decision Dana hasn't made without advice.

"I would say from where we were to where we are now, she's improved 30-percent," said Tami Milam.

Tami Milam's daughter, Ava, suffered a fetal stroke at birth, affecting her speech and movement.

Ava underwent the same procedure last year, and now at age two she can grab with her hands and move her tiny feet.

"I firmly believe the stem cell treatment Ava had in November kept her from having seizures," Milam said.

And both Tami and Dana agree, the stem cell treatment isn't a cure but it's certainly a shot at improvement.

The cost of Cameron's procedure is about $12,500 so the Corvette City Bop Club is stepping in to help.

The organization, along with the Fraternal Order of Police is sponsoring a "Cameron's Heroes Fundraiser Dance."

The dance will take place this Friday from 7-11p.m. at the FOP Lodge in Bowling Green and costs $7 a person.

Also, donations can be made for Cameron's procedure to:
James Cameron Duncan Hall Special Needs Trust Fund at any U.S. Bank location

ON THE WEB
www.stemcellregenmed.com
www.cameronsjourney.blogspot.com

Park City Daily News Article

2009-07-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

Connecting the dots
Family raises funds so 4-year-old autistic son can make trip to Peru for stem cell treatment

By ALYSSA HARVEY, The Daily News, aharvey@bgdailynews.com
Friday, July 24, 2009 11:44 PM CDT

Print this story Email this story Text Size

Hunter Wilson/Daily News
Dana Emmitt-Hall (right) rubs her 4-year-old son Cameron’s head as he rests Wednesday during lunch period at Red Cross Elementary School. Cameron has autism, and his family is raising funds to travel out of the country to receive stem cell treatments.

After a recent minor car accident, Dana Emmitt-Hall received a gift from her 4-year-old son Cameron - a full sentence.

“He said, ‘We ran into a car. Easy,’ ” she said.

Words don’t come easy for Cameron, though. He has autism, which, according to the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web site at www.ninds.nih.gov, is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication and unusual, repetitive or severely limited activities and interests.

“He’s speaking two- or three-word phrases now. Occasionally he’ll speak a full sentence out of the blue,” said Emmitt-Hall, who lives in the Bon Ayr community outside Park City. “It’s like, thank you, Lord. I know it’s in there. That’s the most frustrating thing.”

Cameron also prefers to play by himself and deals with sensory integration disorder, his mother said.

“Being in a gymnasium or cafeteria is hard times for him,” she said. “He’ll lay down on the floor and have a meltdown.”

Emmitt-Hall wants to give her son a chance to function more like other children his age. So when she heard about an experimental procedure that involves adult-donated umbilical cord stem cells that shows promise for reducing the symptoms of autism, she decided to do more research.

“I’m connected to different autism groups on the Internet. I had spoken to other parents who have had stem cell treatment who have seen progress,” she said. “I heard the hope that it offered. I hope stem cell treatments will help us connect the dots so that he can interact the way a typical 4-year-old boy should interact.”

In the procedure, the stem cells are given either intravenously or through a spinal tap, Emmitt-Hall said.

“They will put him to sleep,” she said. “He will not be awake for the procedure.”

The family - including his father, Kelly, and two siblings - is now in the process of raising money so Cameron can have the treatment. They will have to board an eight-hour flight to Lima, Peru, where Cameron will see Florida physician Burton Feinerman, M.D., who travels there to do stem cell treatments, Emmitt-Hall said.

“We will need to travel outside of the USA to have this done as it is not FDA-approved for use here as of yet,” she said. “We hope we are opening the door for many more children to get this done and for many other disabilities.”

The latest effort is the “Cameron’s Heroes Fundraiser Dance.” Sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Corvette City Bop Club, the event will be from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 150 Corvette Drive in Bowling Green. Cost is $7. Types of dances will include bop, swing, waltz, country, slide and line dancing. Concessions will be available.

“You don’t have to know how to dance to come,” Emmitt-Hall said. “There will be people there who will be glad to show you the techniques.”

The dance is just one of the various fundraisers the family has held since January to raise the $12,500 needed for the procedure, Emmitt-Hall said. Stem cell therapy normally cost $25,000, but Emmitt-Hall was offered a discount because she belongs to the Arc of Barren County, an advocacy group that helps people with disabilities.

“We’ve got $9,000 raised so far,” she said. “We’ve still got to cover the cost to get there. We feel the rest will fall into place.”

Emmitt-Hall didn’t expect to be raising a child with autism. Although he had respiratory issues at birth, he seemed to be developing like any other child.

“He was the best baby ever. He was always so happy and so content, always smiling with eye contact,” she said. “He was my third child, so I knew what to expect.”

Then Cameron had his 16-month vaccinations in 2005, and he changed dramatically, Emmitt-Hall said.

“It seemed like he totally spiraled downhill to full-blown autism,” she said. “I took a checklist to the doctor.”

Although she suspected her son had autism, she was still devastated when he was diagnosed Feb. 27, 2006, at 18 months.

“You think you’re prepared for it, but it still feels like the world falls out from underneath you. All your dreams vanish,” she said. “It’s the closest thing I can imagine to losing a child to death.”

Cameron’s family continues to find ways to help him. He has been receiving extensive therapy, including speech, occupational and applied behavior analysis. He has seen a Defeat Autism Now doctor who helped Cameron with the autoimmune issues with his disorder, Emmitt-Hall.

“He takes digestive enzymes to break down the food he’s allergic to. He had terrible intestinal issues,” she said. “He has a multitude of vitamins and minerals. It has all helped ease the symptoms of autism. We still have a lot of difficult days, but just to have him healthier made all the difference in the world.”

To help ease Cameron’s respiratory problems, the family adopted a gluten and caesin free diet, which eliminates wheat and dairy products.

“His respiratory problems immediately cleared up. He had been seeing a pulmonologist at Kosair (Children’s Hospital) monthly,” she said. “It was unreal. When we started this diet, this child came out of the fog. He started sleeping better.”

Cameron is preparing to enter kindergarten at Red Cross Elementary School in Glasgow, where he has been a preschool student for two years.

“He’s fully included in the classroom,” Emmitt-Hall said. “He has an aide to help integrate him in the class so he can be successful.”

Being in a classroom with other students is good for Cameron, she said.

“If you can work through that and motivate them to continue on, they have a greater chance to live a typical life,” she said. “Whenever he gets out of school, he will be readily able to be a full member of society in some form or fashion.”

— Cameron’s family has set up the James Cameron Duncan Hall Special Needs Trust. To donate, visit any branch of U.S. Bank.

For more information

The following Web sites offer information on stem cell research and/or autism:

National Institutes of Health stem cell information, http://stemcells.nih.gov

Stem Cell Regen Med, www.stemcellregenmed.com

Association for Science in Autism Treatment, www.asatonline.org

Autism Research Institute, www.autismresearchinstitute.com

Autism Society of America, www.autism-society.org

HBOT Increases patients own stem cells by 8 Fold

2009-04-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Home | About Us | Welcome | HyperMED LOKOMAT NeuroRecovery | HyperMED Treatment Protocols | HyperMED Quick Access | HyperMED MEDIA | HyperMED Newsletters | HyperMED Patient Testimonials | HyperMED Gallery | Oxy-Sports | HyperMED Mission Statement | HyperMED NeuroRecovery Foundation | Contact Us

Hyperbaric Oxygenation Increases Patients own Stem Cells By Eight-Fold

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

... 2 hours HBOT at 2 ATA; doubles the patients own circulating stem cells

... 40-60 hours HBOT increases circulating stem cells by 8-fold (800%) !!

A scientific study completed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reports that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) are a safe and effective way to mobilize the patients own stem cells providing immediate benefit and further preparing the patient for future stem cell implantation related therapies.

In fact the population of CD34+ cells in the peripheral circulation of humans doubled in response to a single exposure to 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) HBOT for 2 hours. Over a course of twenty treatments, circulating CD34+ cells increased eight-fold!

Stem cells, also called progenitor cells, are crucial to the repair of injured tissues and organs. Hyperbaric Oxygenation increases by eight-fold the number of circulating stem cells throughout the body. Healthy recovery of injured and diseased tissues is the ultimate goal and stem cells play an essential role.

In response to injury, stem cells are mobilized out of the bone marrow to the injured sites, where they differentiate into specialized cells that are important to the healing process. Stem cells from bone marrow are capable of providing specialized functions in many different organs and tissues throughout the body. This movement, or mobilization, of stem cells can be triggered by a variety of stimuli—including Hyperbaric Oxygenation.

While drugs are associated with a host of side effects, Hyperbaric Oxygenation treatments carry a significantly lower risk of such effects.

"This is the safest way clinically to increase stem cell circulation, far safer than any of the pharmaceutical options," said Stephen Thom, MD, Ph.D., Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and lead author of the study.

"This study provides information on the fundamental mechanisms for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and offers a new therapeutic option for mobilizing stem cells."

"We reproduced the observations from humans in animals in order to identify the mechanism for the hyperbaric oxygen effect," added Thom. "We found that hyperbaric oxygen mobilizes stem/progenitor cells because it increases synthesis of a molecule called nitric oxide in the bone marrow. This synthesis is thought to trigger enzymes that mediate stem/progenitor cell release."

Hyperbaric Oxygenation not only causes the release of the patients circulating stem cells but greatly facilitates future endeavors using stem cell related therapies which is costly and not an automatic guarantee in every patient.

It is hoped that future study of hyperbaric oxygen's role in mobilizing stem cells will provide a wide array of treatments for combating injury and chronic progressive disease.

The completed study is scheduled for publication in the April 2006 edition of the American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

Submitted on August 19, 2005; Accepted on November 7, 2005

Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygenation
Stephen R Thom1, Veena M Bhopale2, Omaida C Velazquez3, Lee J Goldstein3, Lynne H Thom2*, and Donald G Buerk4

1 Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Environmental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
2 Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
3 Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
4 Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

We hypothesized that exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) would mobilize stem/progenitor cells from the bone marrow by a nitric oxide (.NO) dependent mechanism.

The population of CD34+ cells in the peripheral circulation of humans doubled in response to a single exposure to 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) O2 for 2 hours. Over a course of twenty treatments, circulating CD34+ cells increased eight-fold, although the over-all circulating white cell count was not significantly increased.

The number of colony-forming cells (CFCs) increased from 16 ± 2 to 26 ± 3 CFCs/100,000 monocytes plated. Elevations in CFCs were entirely due to the CD34+ sub-population, but increased cell growth only occurred in samples obtained immediately post-treatment. A high proportion of progeny cells express receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor-2 and for stromal derived growth factor.

In mice, HBO2 increased circulating stem cell factor by 50%, increased the number of circulating cells expressing stem cell antigen-1 and CD34 by 3.4-fold, and doubled the number of CFCs. Bone marrow .NO concentration increased by 1008 ± 255 nM in association with HBO2. Stem cell mobilization did not occur in knock out mice lacking genes for endothelial .NO synthase. Moreover, pre-treatment of wild type mice with a nitric oxide (.NO) synthase inhibitor prevented the HBO2-induced elevation in stem cell factor and circulating stem cells.

We conclude that HBO2 mobilizes stem/progenitor cells by stimulating .NO synthesis.

Cameron Hall

2009-03-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

Cameron's Inclusion project

2009-03-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Teacher
Stephanie Lancaster
[EMAIL]

Primary Strategic Specialist

News & Announcements
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inclusion Project [ 3/14/2009]

Red Cross Elementary has an Inclusion Project Team.
The goal is to fully include Cameron, a student with Autism, in the regular classroom.
We have learned a great deal from each other as we work together!
Read more about inclusion.

Resource Classes

Collaboration

Inclusion Project

HBOT Clinic Trial Results

2009-03-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Double-blind HBOT study
Posted by: "karin_julliard" karin_julliard@yahoo.com karin_julliard
Sat Mar 14, 2009 6:16 am (PDT)
Here is a link to Dr. Rossignol's article that was published yesterday. THANK YOU DR. ROSSIGNOL YOU'RE THE BEST!!! :-)

Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2431-9-21.pdf

Laminin

2009-03-03T20:25:00.001-08:00

God's Glue
This is a pretty neat story and an interesting thing that few of us know. It's brief, so please read on…. (Not sure who the origninal publisher of this story is, but I found it very interesting)
A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely) on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio...and I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned....but I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway.

He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is...how He spoke the universe into being...how He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire...etc. etc. Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. At this point I am LOVING it (fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know.) ...and I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as I learned more and more about God's handiwork. I remember so many times thinking...'How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???'

Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart...how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.

And then I lost my breath.
And it wasn't because I was running on my treadmill, either.
It was because he started talking about laminin.
I knew about laminin. Here is how wikipedia describes them :'Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue.' You see....laminins are what hold us together ...LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn't know is what laminin LOOKED LIKE.

But now I do.
And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)....
Here is what the structure of laminin looks like...AND THIS IS NOT a 'Christian portrayal' of it....if you look up laminin in any scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see...

Now tell me that our God is not the coolest!!!
Amazing.
The glue that holds us together....ALL of us...
'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;
all things were created by him and for him.
He is before all things,
and in him all things HOLD TOGETHER.'
Colossians 1:15-17

Call me crazy. I just think that is very, very, very cool.
Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin, Paul penned those words. And now we see that from a very LITERAL standpoint, we are held together ...one cell to another....by the cross.

You would never in a quadrillion years convince me that is anything other than the mark of a Creator who knew EXACTLY what laminin 'glue' would look like long before Adam even breathed his first breath.

Pictures during the Ice Storm Feb. '09

2009-02-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

Kelsey and Cameron had a great time playing in the snow with Emilie Buckman and the puppies.

Benefit for Cameron at Buckhead Cafe

2009-02-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

Benefit for Cameron Hall
Student at Red Cross Elementary

WEDSNDAY MARCH 4th
5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Children 10 and under eat free with each paying adult

Cameron was diagnosed with autism at the age of 18 months. He has made great progress due to early intervention and the fabulous teachers and therapist that have worked with him. We are working to raise $25,000 to provide Cameron with Adult Donated Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Treatment to further help him to recover from autism and lead a full and productive life. Autism is treatable. Recovery is possible.

www.cameronsjourney.blogspot.com

Please come out and join us for this event. 10% of all purchases that night will go toward the cost of stem cell treatments.

Video that shows how stem cells work

2009-02-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUcE1Y_bOQE

This video is incredible and shows exactly how stem cell work in the body. Embryonic stem cells are described in this video and I want to emphasise that we are NOT using embryonic stem cells. We are choosing to use donated adult umbilical cord stem cells.

What the World Urgently needs to Know!

2009-01-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

Autism, Stem Cells and What the World URGENTLY Needs to Know: The Body Ecology Perspective
by Donna Gates for BodyEcology.com

Are you worried about the health of your children? Autism now affects 1 out of every 150 children born, but there is something we can do about it. Stem cell therapy is a new autism treatment that in addition to diet and lifestyle changes can heal our youngest generation and those to come.
As you know, I created the Body Ecology Diet to heal systemic fungal, viral and bacterial infections.
It has become clear over time that the Body Ecology program provides healing for many different kinds of physical problems. In fact, most of the health problems we suffer from today are fungal (or yeast) based...even cancer. This is certainly true for children who are suffering from an infection we now call autism. Spreading the word that autism is both treatable and preventable is a major goal.
Doctors and scientists are not exactly sure why children develop autism, but the statistics are frightening: roughly 1 out of every 150 children born is diagnosed with autism.1
Healing autism and other childhood development disorders has become a passion of mine. And while I understand the incredible power of nutrition and lifestyle support, I also seek therapies that will create the major shift parents of children with autism are seeking.
Stem cell therapy is a welcome discovery in our fight to greatly improve or eliminate autism from the lives of our children.
For this reason, I have been collaborating with Dr. Leonard Smith, who along with six other colleagues authored a research paper called Stem Cell Therapy for Autism. Dr. Smith and I are excited about how stem cell therapy, the Body Ecology program and some simple lifestyle changes can heal children with autism.
Here's what you need to know about these cutting edge techniques for autism treatment.
The Stem Cell and Autism Connection
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are primal cells that can divide and differentiate to become like any other more specialized cells in your body. The three types of stem cells are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells and cord blood stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells are the most controversial because they are harvested from human embryos, while the other stem cells can be obtained from adult tissue or from the umbilical cord and placenta of newborn babies and their mothers without damage to them.
Why use stem cells for children with autism?
Children with autism suffer from two major conditions:
Hypoperfusion
Immune dysregulation
Hypoperfusion is decreased blood flow to the brain, meaning that the brain does not receive enough oxygen and cannot function normally.
Any time there is not enough blood flowing to the brain, the brain cells become inflamed and make more nitric oxide. This opens up the cells to receive too much calcium, which damages the mitochondria (that make the energy for cells). As a result, the brain cells die from lack of food.
Immune dysregulation in children with autism means that their immune systems do not respond normally to stimulation. When the body signals to the immune system that it needs help (like when the brain becomes inflamed) the proper immune response and subsequent healing do not occur in children with autism.
Instead, children with autism often have continually suppressed immune systems, chronic inflammation and suffer from autoimmune responses.
An autoimmune response happens when your body does not recognize your cells as your own and actually attacks the good cells. Autoimmune disorders include Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, in addition to autism.
Immune dysregulation is very apparent in the gastrointestinal health of children with autism.
Most suffer from symptoms ranging from diarrhea, gas, and bloating to intestinal lesions and inflammation of their gastrointestinal system.
Researchers have discovered that two kinds of stem cells can specifically address the hypoperfusion and immune dysregulation that are characteristic of children with autism.
The Stem Cell Therapy - Autism Theory
Dr. Fabio Solano has used CD34+ stem cells from cord blood and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as a successful autism treatment.
Cord blood CD34+ stem cells injected into the patient improve blood flow to the brain, which supplies the brain with more oxygen and results in improved central nervous system functioning.
Mesenchymal stem cells are used to heal immune dysregulation in people with Crohn's disease and can also suppress the inflammation in children with autism and address their fundamental immune abnormality.
Using these two kinds of stem cells together can heal both the brain and the gut for a unique treatment that has great potential!
To learn more about the research that Dr. Leonard Smith and his colleagues performed, go to the Journal of Translational Medicine to read Stem Cell Therapy for Autism.

Leonard Smith, M.D., is a renowned gastrointestinal, vascular and general surgeon as well as an expert in the use of nutrition and natural supplementation. His research on stem cell therapy as an autism treatment is ground breaking, but he still believes that it is only one part of conquering the autism epidemic. Donna Gates and Dr. Leonard Smith are teaming up to create a better solution for autism that combines stem cell therapy with a healing Body Ecology diet and lifestyle program.
Patricia vs. Autism
Dr. Fabio Solano regularly treats patients with CD34+ stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.
In fact, you can see the progress of one of his young patients on YouTube! Patricia Cabrera is a young girl who has had successful stem cell therapy to treat autism. Follow her progress with stem cell therapy in Patricia
vs. Autism Parts 1, 2, & 3. -->
Under the supervision of Dr. Solano, her healing is remarkable, and her verbal and interpersonal skills visibly improve. For Patricia and other patients, stem cell therapy is an amazing solution that offers hope for a normal life.
Is stem cell therapy a viable autism treatment?
Stem cell therapy appears to be a safe way to treat autism, though it does take several treatments over the course of a year and may not be covered by insurance.
Stem cell therapy does have the potential to help a large number of children with autism; however, it is a major intervention, and children with autism need to be healthy from the inside out.
As Dr. Smith says, "Stem cell therapy is the dessert, not the main course," and nutrition and lifestyle should support optimal health.
Indeed, autism is a complex disorder, with complex causes. Even doctors are not sure exactly why it happens.
I believe that a subset of children have genomic variations in their detoxification pathways as well as serious immunologic issues. In addition, children whose mothers had candida, viruses or heavy metal toxins in their blood during pregnancy pass those issues on to their children. Then, these children with already weak immunity are exposed to toxins through vaccinations.
Exposure to candida, viral infections and heavy metals puts some children more at risk, and with the continual environmental and dietary toxins in our modern world, we are seeing more and more neurological disorders in both children and adults.
To learn more about the causes of autism read The Root Causes of Autism: A Supposed Mystery That is Not So Mysterious
Fortunately, the human body is very flexible, and autism does not happen to everyone. I do believe that we can heal this condition, from the inside out.
Body Ecology Healing Autism

Autism can be healed, and Body Ecology is uniquely suited to addressing developmental disorders like autism, ADD, ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome. In this revolutionary guide, you can learn the specific approaches that heal children and help them lead normal lives. Get your copy of The Natural Autism Solution today!
The Body Ecology system for health and healing is especially suited to treating autism and can be the "main course" of the autism solution.
This all-natural program impacts health even without stem cell therapy!
The Body Ecology system:
Creates the needed energy to heal
Boosts immunity
Helps heal gastrointestinal distress
Helps detoxifies your body
Conquers infections because it is anti-fungal and anti-viral
Body Ecology is unique because it is based on seven universal principles that when practiced lead to answers for most health problems. These principles show us how to create ideal health and they are timeless and work for anyone. We also emphasize the healing of your intestines as one of the most important first steps to great health. By encouraging the growth of good bacteria in your gut with our 7 superfoods along with fermented foods and drinks, you naturally create a healthy inner ecosystem that supports your health and healing, no matter what your current condition!
To find out more about your inner ecosystem and Body Ecology's healing foods, read The Quick and Easy Guide to Improving Your Health on the Body Ecology Diet Part I: The First 7 Steps to Great Health.Here are the important components to defeating autism with the Body Ecology program:
Antioxidants in fresh, whole foods reduce inflammation
Fermented foods and drinks like raw, cultured vegetables and fermented drinks populate your gut with the beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that keep you healthy and strong.
Regular exercise including walking, yoga and rebounding enhances oxygen in your blood, health, emotional wellbeing, and digestion.
Improving emotional health with the top-recommended Sedona Method enables you - in a very easy-to-learn and easy-to-use manner - to let go of the emotional toxins that create stress and illness. I strongly encourage you to learn more about The Sedona Method and use it to help you overcome negative emotions!
Detoxification clears your body's natural elimination pathways, which is especially important for children with autism. Body Ecology does this beautifully using Young Coconut Kefir. This refreshing drink, rich in probiotics, cleanses your liver and removes toxins (like heavy metals) naturally.
Preparing for pregnancy before conception. Prospective new moms and dads can create healthy babies by following the Body Ecology Way of Life for at least six months before they conceive their baby. By nourishing her body with delicious foods of The Diet and by following our detoxification guidelines, autism, ADD and many other childhood illnesses can be totally prevented. Read What Every Girl & Woman Needs to Know NOW if They Ever Want to Have a Baby to learn more about preparing for conception.
Autism: A Call to ActionTruly, autism is a wake up call from our children, showing us the rampant toxicity in our food and our environment. We can all benefit from taking action to stop this tragic epidemic. Let's quickly learn the lessons these beautiful children are bringing to us and begin right now to improve the health of children and adults everywhere in the world.
The Body Ecology program supports you in changing your lifestyle to create inner health that also impacts our planet.
To learn more about what you can do to fight autism, read Autism's Wake Up Call and What You Can Do Now
Sources:
Weiss, Rick. 1 in 150 Children in U.S. Has Autism, New Survey Finds. Washington Post. February 2007.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/08/AR2007020801883.html
Other Sources:
Smith, et al, "Stem Cell Therapy for Autism," Journal of Translational Medicine 2007, 5:30. http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/5/1/30#IDABE20Y
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Stem Cell: The Final Piece of the Autism Puzzle?

2009-01-28T20:58:00.000-08:00

July 11, 2008
STEM CELLS: THE FINAL PIECE OF THE AUTISM PUZZLE?
By Kent Heckenlively, Esq.
It’s a discussion I’ve often had with my wife Linda over the years.
As I share with her the latest findings about how to rid our daughter’s body of heavy metals, and bacterial and viral infections my wife asks the inevitable question that her years of training as a speech therapist compels her to ask: How much damage has been done between the time of injury and the time we addressed these problems?
Because she works as a speech therapist in the rehabilitation unit of a major hospital she has seen the damage done to the brain by car accidents, strokes, and cancer. She has seen startling recoveries, understands the value of hope, but also knows that many times the dream of complete recovery goes unfulfilled.
It has been with great interest that I’ve been investigating the idea of stem cells as a treatment for autism. In 2007 an article entitled “Stem Cell Therapy for Autism” was published in the Journal of Translational Medicine and I’ve learned that the authors of that paper have treated many children using this approach with in some instances, amazing results.
The idea behind how stem cells work is relatively easy to grasp. Simply put, stem cells home in on low oxygen environments, and once in place, start fixing the damage. Whether this is through the release of nerve growth factors or the stem cells merging with the damaged cells and “fixing” them is unclear at this point.
One of the most consistently replicated findings in autism is that of low blood flow to those areas of the brain responsible for speech and social interaction. An interesting explanation for this finding is recent research from Ohio State indicating that mercury causes the release of phospholipase-D which constricts blood flow and with it, oxygen. (“Mercury Activates Vascular Endothelial Cell Phospholipase D through Thiols and Oxidative Stress” – International Journal of Toxicology, 2007 Jan.-Feb.)
It stands to reason that those areas of the brain in which mercury deposited itself would subsequently find themselves starved of blood and the accompanying oxygen. One can imagine that those areas of the brain which are developing the network necessary for speech and social interaction must be ravenous consumers of oxygen. Cutting off that supply would conceivably lead to a near atrophy of those areas.
Could the lack of oxygen at a critical period of development cause autism?
The use of CD-34 stem cells has been shown to promote the growth of new blood vessels in damaged areas such as end-stage heart disease and poor blood flow into arms and legs. CD-34 stem cells have been used in various procedures since 1988 and have compiled an excellent safety record.The authors of the original paper on stem cells and autism also believed that the gut problems of these children could be addressed using stem cells. Their theory is that the gastro-intestinal problems experienced are the result of immune disregulation. Mesenchymal stem cells, taken from bone marrow, assist in modulating the immune response.One of the first children to be treated with this combination of CD-34 stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells was Matthew Faiella. I spoke recently with his father Daniel. Readers can go to his web-site www.recoveringmatthew.blogspot.com for more information about his son.Matthew is seven years old and prior to the stem cell treatment his parents had tried numerous therapies, including bio-medical, ABA therapy, mild H-BOT, and vitamin supplementation. The mild H-BOT had given some positive results, but not the dramatic changes for which they were looking.Daniel thought it important to note that the CD-34 stem cells are derived from umbilical cord blood and thus are not subject to the ethical concerns inherent with embryonic stem cells. Aside from the ethical concerns regarding embryonic stem cells there are some formidable scientific challenges as well. The first problem is that anywhere from 50%-70% of all embryos naturally abort themselves because of genetic errors. If one uses stem cells derived from an embryo there is no way of knowing whether that embryo would have developed into a viable organism. Second, embryonic stem cells have shown a propensity to develop into cancer cells. In 2002 Chinese researchers reported the successful formation of tumors from stem cells, and in fact, the development of tumors in mice injected with embryonic stem cells showed that the scientists had actually cultured such cells. There is a report of a man with Parkinson’s disease who was treated with embryonic stem cells in China subsequently developing a cancerous tumor in his brain which later killed him.While deciding whether to seek stem cell therapy for his son, Daniel met with Valerey Cabrera and her daughter Patricia. According to Valerie, a year before starting stem cell treatment at the age of eight, Patricia was in diapers, had poor social skills, and only communicated in grunts. The child Daniel saw was very high-functioning, and according to her mother had gone from the lowest in her class to the top. (A news story on this case can be found at www.youtube.com by typing in the words “Autism cure?”)From his research and what he learned from Valerey Cabrera, Daniel decided to seek treatment for his son at the Institute of Cellular Medicine in Costa Rica. The course of treatment involved four injections over a four-day period for a total of 7.5 million CD-34 cells and cost approximately $15,000. (He did not use the mesenchymal stem cell treatment at that time.) After the first treatment in February of 2008 he noticed that within a few days Matthew became calmer, more talkative, and more aware of his surroundings.Other changes included raising his hand in class, asking questions, comprehending more, and the cessation of bed-wetting. Additional benefits included being comfortable enough to go on amusement rides, the disappearance of his activity-induced-asthma, and the development of a sense of empathy. When his mother arrived home feeling ill after having dental work, Matthew said he would take care of her until she got better.Daniel and his wife were so pleased by the progress their son made after the treatment in February that they went back for an additional treatment in June of this year.
I discussed the treatment protocol with Donna Gates (author of “The Body Ecology” diet), who has been involved with the effort to use stem cells with autistic children from the beginning. Her opinion was that for many of the children who start bio-medical interventions early that they may not need stem cell treatments for recovery. However, for some of the older kids who are still struggling with recovery it may be just what they need. Current estimates are that about 50-60% of the kids treated with this therapy have responded positively, sometimes dramatically. It is thought that those children who are most likely to benefit are those children who have undergone significant removal of heavy metals as well as addressing the various bacterial and viral infections, but still have not shown expected recovery. Further study is continuing to discover those factors which are most likely to result in full recovery.The use of stem cells for autism at the Institute of Cellular Medicine in Costa Rica has been something of a victim of its own success. Approximately fifty children have received the treatment, and like Valerie Cabrera and Daniel Faiella they’ve wanted to discuss the results with the local media.However, Costa Rica is reticent to be drawn into the current debate over vaccines and autism and thus wants to keep any work done in the field relatively quiet. The United States company, Medistem, Laboratories Inc. which licenses its stem cells to the Institute of Cellular Medicine in Costa Rica is currently looking to transfer its autism program to neighboring Panama. The program in Costa Rica is not currently accepting new patients, but hopes to in a few months in Panama.Could stem cells be a therapy which might help those children who have not responded as well as hoped to current bio-medical practices? I’ve written before about how when my son Ben went mute for twelve days after his eighteen-month shot I immediately put him on the gluten/casein free diet and now he’s entering third grade at the top of his class, both socially and academically.By contrast, my daughter who was four-years-old when we started her on the gluten/casein free diet as well as all of the other bio-medical treatments over the past six years still can’t walk into a class, speak clearly, and has to wear a diaper.I have seen recovery and the failure to recover. But I remain hopeful that science may yet give us answers. I’ve heard people talking about a window during which a child may be pulled out of autism. Maybe that was what I was able to do with my son. Can stem cells widen that window so I can now extract my ten-year-old daughter? It is another question for which I don’t yet have an answer. But it gives me a possible answer to my wife’s question. Yes, there probably is damage to our daughter’s brain. However, stem cells may be able to address that problem. The quest to help our children has not yet reached the end of the road.If you’d like further information about this therapy you can go to www.cellmedicine.com or call 1-800-980-7836.Kent Heckenlively is Legal Editor for Age of Autism.
Please send your link - your video, news clip or story can make a difference for families living with autism today

Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC)

2009-01-27T02:42:00.000-08:00

Medistem's New Stem Cell Type Wins Award
Sunday March 23rd, 2008 @ 19:28:19 EST
From Category: Type
Comments: No comments
SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(MARKET WIRE)--Mar 20, 2008 -- Medistem Laboratories, Inc. (OTC BB:MDSM.OB - News) is pleased to announce its recent co-authored article entitled, "Endometrial regenerative cells: a novel stem cell population" received BioMed Central's research article of the year in medicine award. The award recognizes excellence in research that has been made universally accessible through open access publication in one of BioMed Central's > 170 peer reviewed scientific journals. The award was presented to Medistem's CEO Dr. Thomas Ichim at the Royal Society of Medicine in London, England.
The publication is freely available at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/5/1/57.
NBC's television coverage can be seen at this link http://www.nbcsandiego.com/health/15669271/detail.html
"We are extremely proud of the international recognition our scientists and collaborators are receiving for the discovery of this new type of stem cell," said Dr. Neil Riordan, President of Medistem. "We believe that these cells, which we have termed endometrial regenerative cells (ERC), offer a novel way of circumventing the medical and ethical issues posed by embryonic stem cells today."
Medistem owns intellectual property associated with endometrial regenerative cells and is currently developing a pipeline of therapeutic products around them. Medistem's lead product is based on preventing amputation through restoring blood flow to the limbs of patients with diabetes and advanced peripheral artery disease.
"The ERC population appears to be superior to other stem cell types. These cells do not require matching with the recipient, they home to areas of injury or tissue damage, and they can become most of the tissue types found in the body," said Dr. Xiaolong Meng, lead author of the article, Associate Director of the Bio-Communications Research Institute, and Medistem collaborator.
About Medistem Laboratories
Medistem Laboratories is a biotechnology company founded to develop and commercialize technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell derived from the menstrual blood that possesses the ability to differentiate into nine tissue types, produce large quantities of growth factors, and a large proliferative capacity. Due to Medistem's relationships and collaborative efforts with respected institutions, Medistem believes it is well positioned to be a leading developer of adult stem cell products.
Cautionary Statement
This document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may include projections of matters that affect revenue, the ability to develop or license certain technologies and receive associated licensing fees; operating expenses or net earnings; projections of capital expenditures; projections of growth; hiring plans; plans for future operations; financing needs or plans; plans relating to the company's products and services; and assumptions relating to the foregoing.
Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information.
Some of the important factors that could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements made by the company include, but are not limited to, the following: the company's ability to anticipate future license fees, technology development limitations, intense competition, risk of business interruption, management of rapid growth, need for additional financing, regulatory approvals and requirements, dependence on key personnel and research, management and other administrative costs.
These factors are discussed in greater detail in the company's quarterly and annual periodic reports, all as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contact: Medistem Laboratories Chris McGuinn 602-318-3535 http://www.medisteminc.com Updated Sunday March 23rd, 2008 @ 21:39:27 EST
-->

HBOT Therapy for Autism

2009-01-26T18:47:00.001-08:00

1: Med Hypotheses. 2007;68(6):1208-27. Epub 2006 Dec 4.
Links
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy might improve certain pathophysiological findings in autism.
Rossignol DA.
University of Virginia, Department of Family Medicine, P.O. Box 800729, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. dlross7@hotmail.com
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder currently affecting as many as 1 out of 166 children in the United States. Numerous studies of autistic individuals have revealed evidence of cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation and gastrointestinal inflammation, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, relative mitochondrial dysfunction, neurotransmitter abnormalities, impaired detoxification of toxins, dysbiosis, and impaired production of porphyrins. Many of these findings have been correlated with core autistic symptoms. For example, cerebral hypoperfusion in autistic children has been correlated with repetitive, self-stimulatory and stereotypical behaviors, and impairments in communication, sensory perception, and social interaction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) might be able to improve each of these problems in autistic individuals. Specifically, HBOT has been used with clinical success in several cerebral hypoperfusion conditions and can compensate for decreased blood flow by increasing the oxygen content of plasma and body tissues. HBOT has been reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to improve immune function. There is evidence that oxidative stress can be reduced with HBOT through the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes. HBOT can also increase the function and production of mitochondria and improve neurotransmitter abnormalities. In addition, HBOT upregulates enzymes that can help with detoxification problems specifically found in autistic children. Dysbiosis is common in autistic children and HBOT can improve this. Impaired production of porphyrins in autistic children might affect the production of heme, and HBOT might help overcome the effects of this problem. Finally, HBOT has been shown to mobilize stem cells from the bone marrow to the systemic circulation. Recent studies in humans have shown that stem cells can enter the brain and form new neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. It is expected that amelioration of these underlying pathophysiological problems through the use of HBOT will lead to improvements in autistic symptoms. Several studies on the use of HBOT in autistic children are currently underway and early results are promising.
PMID: 17141962 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Stem Cell Treatment For Autism

2009-01-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

1: J Transl Med. 2007 Jun 27;5:30.
Links
Stem cell therapy for autism.
Ichim TE, Solano F, Glenn E, Morales F, Smith L, Zabrecky G, Riordan NH.
Medistem Laboratories Inc, Tempe, Arizona, USA. thomas.ichim@gmail.com
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions whose incidence is reaching epidemic proportions, afflicting approximately 1 in 166 children. Autistic disorder, or autism is the most common form of ASD. Although several neurophysiological alterations have been associated with autism, immune abnormalities and neural hypoperfusion appear to be broadly consistent. These appear to be causative since correlation of altered inflammatory responses, and hypoperfusion with symptology is reported. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are in late phases of clinical development for treatment of graft versus host disease and Crohn's Disease, two conditions of immune dysregulation. Cord blood CD34+ cells are known to be potent angiogenic stimulators, having demonstrated positive effects in not only peripheral ischemia, but also in models of cerebral ischemia. Additionally, anecdotal clinical cases have reported responses in autistic children receiving cord blood CD34+ cells. We propose the combined use of MSC and cord blood CD34+cells may be useful in the treatment of autism.
PMID: 17597540 [PubMed]

Our First Fundraiser

2009-01-26T13:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

As you may know we are in the process of trying to raise money for my son Cameron age 4, to be able to receive adult donated umbilical cord stem cell treatments for autism. This procedure is not done in the united states except for a few select government approved clinical trials. We need to raise $25,000 in order to be able to get the treatment for him and will have to travel outside of the US to get it done. This treatment is showing great promise for recovery of autism. To me these stem cells are the perfect gift from God. He is the creator and man has now learned to use these "gifts" to help us with many health ailments. Our hope is that God will use us to be pioneers into this process to help pave the way for this to be approved here in the United States. We will be "blogging" our process on Cameron's website www.cameronsjourney.blogspot.com

We will be doing many fundraising events over the next few months and I hope that you will join our efforts. One easy thing that you can do is drop off your unwanted items at one of the local consignment stores below and tell them that it is being donated for Cameron Hall. Please feel free to share this email with your family & friends.

Just For Kids Consignment (kids clothes & Toys)
They are giving us the WHOLE week before the spring appointments actually start! Feb.9-13th You can just drop off your kids clothes and toys and tell them it is for Cameron Hall. You can also take smaller groups of items at anytime without an appointment!
Account number: 338
710 W Main Street
Glasgow, KY 42141
270-659-0445

and/or

The Walk in Closet (Everything, including household items)
Account Number: A187
Call for an appointment or can just drop of small loads at a time.
208 Columbia Ave.
Glasgow KY 42141
270-834-1759

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Blessings,Dana Emmitt-HallBlessings Unleashed Foundation, Directorwww.blessingsunleashed.org

God has given each of you special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of Blessings. - I Peter 4:10 LB

Saying "Goodbye"

2008-12-29T22:16:00.000-08:00

We had to say goodbye to two wonderful therapist this month. On December 19th Linda Veldman who was Cameron's occupational therapist through TJ Samson left to go to Roanoke VA. We have been with Linda since the summer of 2006. She has truly worked to bring change and betterment to those she is around. Glasgow KY is a better community for having her with us.

Today on December 29th we had to say goodbye to Leigh Anne Roden. She has been with us since October of 2007 and spent the next 14 months bringing my son into our world in ways we had never seen before. I have often referred to Leigh Anne as Cameron's 'Miracle Worker". He was always so eager to see her & would come running to his chair to see what she had planned for the day. I would sit and watch in amazement as she would have him doing things I had only dreamed that I would see him do. I have many great videos of the two of them working together and will cherish them. Cameron's Journey took a whole new path the day we met Leigh Anne and we are forever grateful.

Santa Who?

2008-12-29T21:39:00.001-08:00

Cameron's fourth Christmas went by this year with peace and joy. He really wasn't into Santa and didn't want to sit in his lap. He got a new DVD player and an Animusic video that he loves. He's not into any of his other gifts. He was so good with no major meltdowns. He looks so cute in his little RJ Corman toboggan.

A Thanksgiving Blessing

2008-12-29T20:53:00.000-08:00

I received one of the greatest gifts ever for Thanksgiving this year. Let me tell you how it all began. I was contacted by a lady in Glasgow, Tami Milam, who has a 2 year old daughter named Ava. Ava had a stroke in uteri and Tami had researched Stem Cell Therapy for treating Ava. Tami came to the ARC of Barren County and spoke with us about taking Ava to Peru for stem cell treatments and the hope that they offered for her daughter to live a full and productive life.

I immediately began researching the treatments and emailed them to a few of my closest friends and asked them to take a look at the information. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't overreacting to another "hope' of a cure for Cameron's autism. On Thanksgiving Day Donna Haynes told me that she had read through everything that I had sent her and had been doing more research herself. She was just as excited as I was about the treatment and gave me the best Thanksgiving gift ever, she offered to help undertake the fundraising efforts to be able to get the stem cell treatments for Cameron.

We will begin the fundraising in January to raise the money needed to get Cameron the treatments. Thanks Donna! I am very blessed to have you as my friend and so is Cameron.

It's been a while

2008-07-27T11:29:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted on Cameron's Journey. He is almost 4 years old now. He started to preschool in Mrs. Ruth Jones Class at Red Cross Elementary School the day he turned 3 years old. It was a bittersweet day. I was sad to see him start to school so early but I know in my heart it is what is best for him.

We have seen a lot of improvements in Cameron. We are still doing everything we can to help him. We are following the DAN! protocol but are seeing Dr. Michael Bernui in Hendersonville TN now. I just started EDTA chewing gum with him today to help chelate the aluminum. He tested high so we need to get it out. Low muscle tone is also a sign of aluminum in the body. Cameron has low tone.

He has learned to say so many words. Our latest accomplishment is for him to say "I want ....."
It takes a little motivation be he will say it. We saw a big jump in his vocabulary when we started the Methyl B-12 shots. If you use the EMLA cream it will numb him up & he doesn't feel the shots.

He has been blessed by so many great therapist and teachers who have worked so hard. Leigh Anne Rhoden has been so great for Cameron. She comes to our house twice a week & she gets so much out of him. She teaches me a lot too.

Another great accomplishment is that he is now "peeing on the potty"!! Not every time but we are making progress. Linda Veldman, Stephanie Smith & Angela Bass from TJ Samson are helping us with this.

Michelle Dirkalski from Family Options is training Danielle & Bekka Pedigo to work with him in doing ABA. I would love to get more ABA in, It makes a big difference in his behavior.

I am so thankful for all of the accomplishments he has made, God has blessed us.

Tuesday March 21, 2006

2006-03-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

Jan Sandidge came to visit Cameron today. She is a speech therapist with the First Steps program. Her evaluation of Cameron showed that his Language expression (what he says) is at the 0-3 month old range and his Language comprehension (what he understands) is at the 6-9 month old range. She recommended making him a little photo album of his own by taking digital pictures of things that he knows (cup, ball, mom, etc.) and using it as a tool to get him to tell us what he wants. She also recommended starting sign language with him too.

Wednesday March 15, 2006

2006-03-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

Cameron began working with Brenda Richardson today. She is a Developmental interventionist who will work with him in many different areas of development. They played peak-a-boo, learned the sign for "more", played with many different objects to see if he knew the "function". An example: she gave him a toy phone to see if he knew to put it to his ear. Cameron loved playing with her. He had a great session. She told me that he had a lot of good skills to build on. She also mentioned that she was concerned that he may have "sensory issues". (Taste, touch, etc.).
Cameron also began Cranialsachrial Therapy this week with Diane Light. She is a message therapist at Dr. Oldencamp's office. Dr. Oldencamp is also continuing his Chiropractic treatments with Cameron. He does enjoy going to see Dr. Oldencamp. He has a favorite window where he watches the traffic go by and he is always so good and happy during his adjustment, he just puts his little hands up to his neck & bats his eyes in anticipation. Dr. Oldencamp is great with Cameron! I truly think the adjustments are helping him. He hasn't been 'fixed' on the TV as much and it has been a while since he has been running on the rug or circling the knotholes in the floor. The casein & gluten free diet is helping too.

Friday March 10, 2006

2006-03-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

Today was our very first trip to see our DAN Dr. In Brentwood Tennessee. Dr. Anthony Chapdelaine specializes in natural & alternative medicine. He was very knowledgeable and shared his Autism expertise with us in a way that was very easy to understand. We came home with 5 test kits to perform on Cameron. After we have completed the testing, the results will be sent to Dr. Chapdelaine. Will will go for our 2nd appointment and be given a portfolio that contains the results and a plan for Cameron's treatment.

Cameron 1 year old

2006-03-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

March 5, 2006

2006-03-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Kelsey's 3rd birthday today. In the middle of the party & fell out the front door! How Graceful! I literally was crawling at the end of the evening because my foot hurt so badly. My friend Coleen had brought me a gift and when I finally got to bed I opened it & there was this wonderful book by Joyce Meyers, The Battlefield of the Mind. I also received an e-mail from another friend, Shirley, she reminded my that sometimes we need to "crawl into Jesus arms and rest". God is once again in control!! I am in the bed resting & enjoying my book.

March 3, 2006

2006-03-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

We went back to see Dr. Oldencamp for another adjustment today. He gave him another adjustment. He said he could really feel the plate that was shifted in his head move today! We discussed the herbs & decided to go ahead a try these twice a day.
when I made Cameron's appointment with the DAN DR. The earliest they could make the appointment was for March 21st. Today I got a letter from them that said the moved him to an "established" spot on March 10th. Once again God is doing things that I could not. With Autism Early intervention is critical, so 11 days is a big difference!
Kelly & I also met with our Pastor Mark Hale and were so uplifted by his words of comfort to us. We left his office with a new outlook, a mutual consent to one of our biggest obstacles as a couple and an abundance of HOPE for our son.

March 2, 2006

2006-03-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

Things are really "moving" today. One of the first question the Dr. Oldencamp asked me was "does he suffer from constipatation". Apparently the disk in his back that was out of alignment was the one that controls the colon and bowel functions. To truly appreciate this little story you should know that Cameron has suffered from what I refer to as the "poop balls". For the last several months has has just continually passed small hard round feces all day. Rarerly ever a "normal" movement. Just after one adjustment things are moving regularly!! He had FIVE distinctly different bowel movements!! From what I have learned, an empacted colon allows toxins to be released into the body. Cameron's little body just could not rid itself of these toxins.

March 1, 2006

2006-03-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

God is opening doors for Cameron & I am so thankful. A friend shared with us the a young boy had recovered from Autism with the help of Cranial Therapy and that we had a person here in Glasgow that did this type of procedure. I called & they immediately got us in!!
Dr. Oldencamp who is DR. of chiropractor saw Cameron and is so excited to get to work with him-Imagine a Dr. being excited!! He was so caring & concerned. He was very reassuring to me.
An x-ray was taken of Cameron's neck & base of the spinal column. He has a plate that is shifted to the right & pressing on his nerves. He also has a disc in his back that is slipped out of alignment. He received his first "adjustment". It has had an immediate calming effect on him today. He is not interested in the television & allowed me to just massage his little legs & back until he fell asleep.
Dr. Oldencamp recommended that we give him blue green algae (Chlorella) for a heavy metal detoxification. He told me his body cannot process metal chemicals and they are toxic for him. He also recommended that we start him on Enzymes to help him break down his food better. I already had both of the products thanks to being involved with Adapt-a-life. I just didn't know that they would benefit Cameron in overcoming Autism!!

February 28, 2006

2006-03-01T11:54:00.000-08:00

Dr. Anthony Chapdelaine in Brentwood Tennessee is going to see Cameron on March 21, 2006. Dr. Chapdelaine is a "DAN" Dr.
I have also found a "Defeat Autism Now" conference that is going to be held in Washington DC April 6-10th. I am praying that a way will be provided for us to go so that we can get the latest information on Autism & find out first hand what is working & what is not in the treatment of autism. I also want to know more about what causes this disease.
I am starting Cameron on a Gluten Free, casein Free diet. I am not giving him any white refined sugar or artificial food coloring.
I am still very sad, but I know God is hearing my prayers because He has sent so many concerned calls & e-mails my way. I am Blessed with a loving & caring network of family & friends! I am very proud of Kelly-he is being so strong & supportive.

February 27, 2006

2006-03-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Today Cameron turned 18 months old. We saw Dr. Carl Myers at the Regional Child development Center in Bowling Green KY. Dr. Myers diagnosed him with Autism. My heart is broken. I am researching and trying to find a "Defeat Autism Now" Doctor. I am determined to find help for him so the he can recover!!