Convinced that Chinese doctors have discovered the secret promise of stem-cell therapy, a couple from New Brunswick is setting out on a journey of hope to the Far East.
Other Canadians as well as Americans have traveled to China for the adult stem cell treatments designed to help those with crippling diseases. J.C. and Cherie of Oromocto will now follow the same path.
Causing deterioration in the region of the brain responsible for muscles and movements, J.C. has a hereditary brain disorder called Machado Joseph Disease. For the 39 year old man, there is no known cure.
Speaking and walking are difficult for J.C., and with unbalanced steps and slurred speech, some people think he is drunk when he goes out with their three children says Cherie.
“At first, it progressed slowly,” Cherie says of the disease, looking fondly at J.C. in their cozy, rural New Brunswick home.
“But then in the last two years it has been bad. I think in the next couple of years if we don’t get this treatment, then he could require 24-hour care. We’re grateful this treatment is out there. We’re excited.”
In late April, the couple will arrive in Shenzhen, China, where they will spend a month of their lives. At the clinic, doctors will inject stem cells into J.C.
