Adult Stem Cells Help Stroke Victim Recover!

Posted 4 December, 2008 in ADULT STEM CELL VICTORIES!, MAD ABOUT STEM CELLS!, Stem Cells for Stroke | No comments

Of course most of the headlines of this well publicized story leave out the fact that it was Adult Stem Cells that were responsible for this great success.  However, let’s not dwell on that.  Instead, let’s look at another great discovery due to Adult Stem Cell research and another wonderful use of Repair (Adult) Stem Cells:

This product is for patients who suffer a haemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain bursts and that is exactly what happened to Walter Bast, a 49 year old gentleman from Germany.  Normally, the only option for a haemorrhagic stroke is an operation which doesn’t always work.  In fact, about 50% of the patients die within one month of this operation and the rest usually have major damage.

However, there is a new way now- A Repair Stem Cell teabag so to speak:

The pioneering treatment, called CellBeads, involves cutting away part of the skull to tie off leaking blood vessels and remove blood from the brain.

Surgeons then insert the 2cm by 2cm ‘teabag’ filled with capsules stuffed with around a million stem cells.

The stem cells, taken from bone marrow (this means they are REPAIR STEM CELLS- DON), have been genetically engineered to make a drug known as CM1 that protects brain cells from dying. This lets the cells rejuvenate and repair the damage done by the stroke.

After around two weeks, doctors at the International Neuroscience-Institute in Hanover, Germany, removed the ‘teabag’, resulting in Mr Bast regaining his speech and the use of his right arm.

Speaking a week after the operation, the first of its kind in the world, Mr Bast, a mechanic, said: “I feel a lucky guy.”

The so-called CellBeads treatment is the brainchild of scientists at the British medical technology firm Biocompatibles International, based in Farnham, Surrey.

The stem cells are encapsulated in beads to hide them from the immune system and ensure they are not rejected by the body.

Enclosing everything in the 2cm square ‘teabag’ ensures the surgeon can easily remove it at the end of the treatment period.

This really is great news.  Unfortunately, this was only part of  a clinical trial and it is an estimated 5 years before it will hit the “market” and be available to all.   Just for your information-  the Repair Stem Cell Institute currently lists 4 companies that are treating stroke patients NOW and from what I see have had a good share of success doing it too.

Click here for the full article

World Congress of Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cell 2008

Posted 3 December, 2008 in DON MARGOLIS | No comments

Well, you probably didn’t know that I am in China right this moment attending the World Congress of Regenrative Medicine and Stem Cell 2008.  But it is true.  I will actually be giving a talk on what I call the Diabetes Pandemic and how Diabetes can really cripple National Healthcare programs in many countries.  The solution?  If you are reading this blog, then you know-  Adult Stem Cells or as we call them Repair Stem Cells.

Here is how my day went in Foshan, China:

Boy, this country is big and dense with people like I never saw.  So far, EVERYONE I have come in contact with has been overly friendly and super-helpful—EVERYONE.  Even the scary guys in the perfectly-pressed military uniforms went out of their way to help this poor old (I’m 74) man (OK, I acted a little helpless) through customs and immigration.  I was able to draw smiles, even laughs from a few, in my struggle to carry 30 kilos of collected dirty clothes, printed matter, raw foods,  and other junk in my suitcase and carry-on, from what is now 27 days of travel.

But it was worth it.  I’m meeting lots of doctors and stem cell researchers, ALL OF WHOM know about Repair Stem Cells vs. dozens of diseases and 97% of whom know embryonic stem cells can’t cure even a hangnail.  What a pleasure!  On Thursday I hope to make a reservation to fly to Bangkok , but as my new-best-friend-chinese-travel-agent says, “Good Luck!”  He thinks I’ll be in HK for another week or two.  Who knows, given how friendly the people here are, and that we are a 2.5 hour train ride from HK, and the internet is better in Foshan than in BKK, I could hang out here and miss Thailand just as easily as I do in HK.

Being an Inadvertent Exile isn’t all bad.  After all, where else but Foshan could I have met Dr. James James of Chicago–a delightful guy who makes ME look NORMAL!  (As my late wife, Jo, once said, “Don has this morbid fear of being considered normal.”  I think she was right.)  Dr. James James got me drunk last nite on one glass of wine. I wound up singing Russian songs with two guys from Moscow, getting into a scientific discussion in German with a doctor from Cologne and discussing the economic benefits of Norway with a Norwegian all without leaving the dinner table.

Read more about my exciting day of Stem Cells in Foshan

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A Letter from A Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy Helped By Stem Cell Therapy

Posted 2 December, 2008 in Stem Cells for the Heart | No comments

Last week, I posted about Dr. Zannos Grekos  treating the first ever Pulmonary Hypertension patient with Adult Stem Cells.  And what happened next is another one of Dr. Grekos’ patients contacted me with this letter telling me how Dr. Grekos (a member of the Repair Stem Cell Institute’s SAB) has helped with his Dilated Cardiomyopathy as well-  This is a great story because it came straight from the patient so you can see it through his eyes-  Read the whole thing!

My name is Leonard Narracci, and I live in Venice, Florida. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. (This is a type of   untreatable Heart Disease for which until Adult Stem Cells, there was no treatment- Don)   I was always tired, listless, and completely lethargic. I underwent all the traditional cardiac testing, and the bottom line was that I would be on medication to maintain the status quo, but there was little hope of improving my cardiac condition.

I began my research to find a “better way”. I found Regenocyte and Dr. Zannos Grekos , right here in my backyard in Bonita Springs, Florida. I researched his Stem Cell Therapy treatment intensely. Then, I attended a seminar of his, which confirmed the action that I had to take to repair my heart. I made an appointment with him and underwent all the necessary testing to determine if I was a viable candidate.
Fortunately, I was! I expressed the desire to have the treatment, and his office set everything in motion. The entire Regenocyte experience was nothing short of perfection, beginning with his very capable and competent assistant, Nancy Trombino. Nancy made all the necessary arrangements and reservations and provided me with an itinerary that explicitly told me where and when I had to be all at times during the treatment.

On October 7, 2008, my wife, my friend, and I left Miami Airport for the Dominican Republic. As soon as we deplaned, we were met by two Regenocyte agents, who were wonderful. They transported us to the Marriott Hotel, which was charming and very comfortable. The staff there made every effort to provide us with all that we needed. The Regenocyte agents catered to our every want and need, even providing me with a cell phone. All I had to do was press a single number and I could make contact with an agent at any time of the day or night.

Click on more to read what happens next!!

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Stem Cell Therapy Works For Brain Injury - Now Firefighter Needs More

Posted 1 December, 2008 in CORD BLOOD STEM CELLS, Stem Cells for Brain Injury | No comments

Today, I bring you a heart felt letter from the mother of a volunteer fireman named Kevin Daniels who suffered a terrible accident in the line of duty that has left him a quadriplegic with limited mobility.  The doctors advised the parents of Kevin to terminate his life at the time, but his parents said “Not a chance, Kevin is a fighter!”

Kevin made it through that time and then later his parents did some Adult Stem Cell research and found a place in Mexico that would implant Kevin with cord blood stem cells which as we all know are ADULT STEM CELLS (Repair Stem Cells)!    They went for it- and it worked!!!

On September 25, 2006 we went to Mexico and had the umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant. Since the procedure has been done, we have seen 33 improvements, some being significant. His speech is better. His medicine for spasticity in his extremities has been reduced to where he is only getting 20% of what he was getting. That is a 80% reduction. He now has slight movement in all 5 fingers on his left hand, which he didn’t have before. We knew if the first trip was successful we would need to return every six months until no more improvements are seen. It is wonderful that after 3 years we can still see improvements because of this treatment.**

Kevin wants more Adult Stem Cells for even more improvement and needs donations which go through the fire department so they are tax deductible. Let’s see if the Don Margolis blog and its followers can help with this goal- Here is the rest of the letter:

We are now trying to raise the funds to go back. The South Boston Fire Dept. is accepting donations. I’m reaching out to others outside of this area for help. I’ve never reached out to others for help since Kevin’s accident, but the importance of Kevin continuing to receive the stem cell therapy means too much to him for me not to reach out and ask.**

I want to push the government and the medical field to research this avenue of treatment for others (She means using Adult Stem Cells- Don). I don’t want this just to help my son, but for it to help others as well. This means that Kevin needs to continue this process to prove the success of this procedure.**

If you would like to send a donation or know of others that would like to help, please send the donation to:

Kevin Daniels Stem Cell Fund*
South Boston Fire Dept.*
403 Broad Street*
South Boston, VA 24592 *

You can contact Chief Steve Phillips with any questions at 434-575-4292. The fire dept. is receiving and administering the funds and all donations are tax deductible.**

Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Please help us to make this a reality. Thank you so much from my family.**

May God bless you and keep you is my prayer.**

Pat Daniels *
1106 Daniels Trail *
Halifax, VA 24558 *
434-575-1740 *
e-mail: patdaniels52@yahoo.com *

This was from Kurt Kamm’s website

Happy Thanksgiving! Bubble Boy Able To Go Home After Stem Cell Therapy!

Posted 29 November, 2008 in CORD BLOOD STEM CELLS, Stem Cells for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency | No comments

Granton Bayless, the “Bubble Boy,” so called because he had severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCIDS). This meant his immune system didn’t work and he couldn’t fight off any illness, virus, etc.  Therefore, he had to live in a “bubble” to protect him.

The only cure for severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome is Adult Stem Cells (what I call Repair Stem Cells) via a bone marrow transplant or cord blood transplant.  Granton was given a cord blood transplant in June and the Repair Stem Cells did their work.

From being on a respirator and given medication that paralyzed him so he wouldn’t burn energy or use oxygen to 6 months later- out of the hospital, (my first post on this) out of the sanitized apartment at the Ronald McDonald House, (2nd post)  and now back home with his parents. (click link for article)  I can only imagine what a great feeling that was for them- to get their son back and taking him home for the first time after this long battle with SCIDS.  A victory for them and let’s chalk up another victory for Repair Stem Cells.

I wish all of you a belated Happy Thanksgiving.  I thank you all for continuing to visit this blog and I hope for a few of you it has provided hope and direction.  Please keep emailing me - donmargolis@gmail.com and I will reply if you have any questions on how to receive Adult Stem Cell treatment or if you have a question about some disease or condition you or an acquaintance may have.

Golfer John Daly Received Adult Stem Cells

Posted 27 November, 2008 in ADULT STEM CELL VICTORIES! | 1 comment

It is just a throw away line in an otherwise dry article in USA Today about John Daly, former PGA Championship and British Open winner,  going to Australia for the Australia Masters, but it really caught my eye.  Check this out:

Daly attributes most of his failings on the course the past two years — he made only five of 17 cuts on the PGA Tour and earned $56,000 this year — to a rib injury. He said stem-cell therapy in August has led to a significant improvement.

I’m not surprised that stem-cell therapy has helped him and of course we are talking about Adult Stem Cells (or Repair Stem Cells as we like to call them) here- not Embryonic Stem Cells that were implanted because Embryonic Stem Cells will still cause tumors and will not help, but hurt.

However, I was just wondering where (and how) John Daly received this stem cell therapy. This is great news and I wish someone would be able to ask John where he got his Repair Stem Cells. Thousands of patients(and probably some other professional athletes) with rib injuries or shoulder injuries want to know more information about this.

If anybody knows John- ask him this question, enquiring minds want to know. And to any reporters reading this blog- this may make for a good story to follow up on.

Adult Stem Cells Now Treating Pulmonary Hypertension!

Posted 26 November, 2008 in Stem Cells for Pulmonary Hypertension | 2 comments

This is the magic of Adult Stem Cells or as we call them “Repair Stem Cells.”  Another previously untreatable condition like Pulmonary Hypertension is NOW untreatable TREATABLE because of Repair Stem Cells.  Of course, one of the Repair Stem Cell Institute’s Science Advisory board members- Dr. Zannos Grekos is behind this.

In a collaborative effort with TheraVitae, Dr. Grekos treated his first Pulmonary Hypertension patient in February, 2008.  Karl Wagner, of Macon, Georgia underwent the stem cell therapy using Repair Stem Cells.

Before the Repair Stem Cell therapy, Karl was in bad shape. He said, ” was being managed by medication, but still had violent chest pains, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, and severe shortness of breath…I could barely do anything with my daughters and was on oxygen almost all the time. Doctors at Mayo Clinic gave me a three year prognosis.”

And how about after the stem cell treatment Karl??? - Wagner’s saturations are now consistently high, and he no longer needs to be supplemented with oxygen or considered for a lung transplant. “I feel great,” he says, “and have a normal life again. I take my girls to school every morning and work all day…my quality of life is ten-fold what it used to be. I also am off almost all of my medications and the doctors at Mayo Clinic have given me a new prognosis.”

An Open Letter to Barack Obama: Repair Stem Cell Research

Posted 25 November, 2008 in Repair Stem Cell Institute | 1 comment

I wrote an open letter to Barack Obama regarding spending on Repair Stem Cell Research.  I put it out as a press release so I hope Barack and thousands of others will read it and realize the power of Repair Stem Cells-  here is a taste of the stem cell research letter:

As spokesman for the Repair Stem Cell Institute (RSCI), which is the voice of the Repair Stem Cell research and treatment industry worldwide, I want to urge you to provide equal federal funding support for our industry and the medical and scientific professionals, hospitals, treatment centers and academic leaders that are, today, actively applying their stem cell expertise in improving the lives of people suffering with various diseases.

What does the phrase “Repair Stem Cell” mean? And how is this stem cell life science helping to improve the lives of people around the world?

All of our bodies already contain a cell that “repairs” our bodies and performs this function every day of our lives. It’s called the Repair Stem Cell. These cells constantly jump to our aid when we need help. Cut your finger, no problem a Repair Stem Cell will do its work and heal your skin. Injure another part of your body and Repair Stem Cells are always ready to jump in and help. Sometimes, though, our bodies need help to muster more of these Repair Stem Cells to our aid than our bodies normally provide. That’s when we need the help of medical science to supplement our bodies’ own tool- kit.

Read the rest of the Repair Stem Cell Institute’s press release:

Go visit our site- it is full of interesting stem cell stuff

Adult Stem Cells Save Woman from Amputation

Posted 24 November, 2008 in Stem Cells for Peripheral Artery Disease, Stem Cells for Peripheral Vascular Disease | No comments

Adult Stem Cell research and therapy has saved the leg of a woman facing amputation due to critical limb ischemia. In India, a 68 year old woman came to the hospital suffering from a large ulcer in her foot due to insufficient blood flow. Doctors thought that amputation was necessary.

Not so fast said Dr. Subrammaniyan (try to say that name 3 times fast) of the Vijaya Health Centre in Chennai. There was one last option.

a team led by chief vascular surgeon S R Subrammaniyan tried stem cell therapy on Vidyalakshmi, extracting 100 ml of bone marrow from her, isolating the stem cells, and injecting them into the her calf. The therapy worked, healing her ulcer and forming new blood vessels that increased circulation in the affected area.

Today, Vidyalakshmi can walk and use her lower left limb just like her right one. Her case is just one among several in India where clinical trials on stem cell therapy have helped saved people’s limbs from amputation.

Ramchandra Medical Centre, along with stem cell banking company LifeCell International, has provided this treatment to 32 patients under clinical trials. The results have been “quite encouraging”, says Vijayaraghavan.

The standard treatment for limb ischemia is bypass surgery on arteries or balloon angioplasty. But bypass is ruled out if the blood vessel in the limb is narrow. “Here, stem cell treatment proves beneficial, as bone marrow stem cells can form new blood vessels and offer a cure,” says Abraham.

This isn’t the first we have heard of stem cell treatment helping Peripheral Vascular Disease or Peripheral Artery Disease patients. More examples can be found by clicking on this Peripheral Vascular Disease link

Stem Cell Therapy Used to Heal Cartilage

Posted 21 November, 2008 in Stem Cells for Cartilage | No comments

Bristol University again.  They were part of the team that made the new windpipe from stem cells.  They were also in the news this week for making a “living” band-aid using the patient’s own Repair Stem Cells. The “living” band-aid can be used to heal tears to the meniscal cartilage- a common sporting injury.

Many are men and women in their twenties and thirties and the tears are frequently the result of twisting the leg during jogging, football, rugby, horse riding or skiing.

The footballers Martin Petrov, a winger for Manchester City, and John Kennedy, the Celtic and Scotland player, have reportedly got the injury.

At the moment attempts to sew together ripped meniscal cartilage are often unsuccessful and can result in players spending a long time off the pitch undergoing rehabilitation.

Many sportsmen opt to have the tissue removed. Removal of the loose cartilage allows the athletes to recover but it leaves bones in the knees exposed and osteoarthritis may develop.

Scientists at Bristol University have now managed to heal cartilage tissue in a laboratory with stem cells taken from a patient’s own bone marrow. They used the cells to coat a sponge-like scaffold, made from collagen (a fibrous protein) and placed it inside the tear in the cartilage. The stem cells pulled the two pieces of torn cartilage together.

“The stem cells knit across the two sides of the lesion and cause a reuniting of the two sides. We hope that in the patient we can reunite the cartilage in a strong enough way to heal the wound completely.”

Bristol University- you did it again.  I have to take off my hat to this University in the United Kingdom that has been responsible for two big Adult Stem Cell discoveries just this week!

Here is the new cartilage story