Ryan Dickerson's Blog

  Hello All, We have been home for just under three months now.  May is coming up fast and it is time to make some decisions about future treatments.  We are confident in saying that this series of treatments has benefitted Ryan.  Prior to our trip to China, Ryan had not made any progress for some time.  In many areas, he had either peaked or regressed.  His PT had just cut his therapy sessions in half due to lack of progress, he was no longer taking good steps, his seizures remained consistent and he was showing no progress with his communication device.  Since receiving the stem cell treatments, Ryan has improved in the following areas:  he began taking quality steps again prior to our departure; his head control is significantly better, his eye engagement and attention have improved, we have noticed a reduction in myoclonic jerks (startle seizures) in the last few weeks, his teachers report much more accuracy with his communication device and computer software, his echolocation is better and we have all noticed that he is more in tune with his environment.  I realize that many of these items are extremely subjective and can’t be verified by any clinically objective test, but too many people have made observations about Ryan, without being prompted, to ignore.  We plan on returning to China for another round of treatments in Sept. of this year.  Good luck to everyone considering this treatment.  Thanks to all for continuing to read Ryan’s blog and making comments.  If anyone would like additional information, please contact me at djdickerson@satx.rr.com.  Take care. Dan, Suzanne, Ryan and Sarah

 Hello All,We have been home now for about two months.  We just returned from our yearly ski trip to the NSCD (National Sports Center for the Disabled).  We had an awesome time skiing the slopes, snowmobiling, tubing, snow ball fighting and hanging out together.  My brother Dave and sister Mary joined us in Winter Park, CO for the fun.  I will have several new movies completed by this summer of the last year’s activities: (Disney, boating, skiing, All Can Ski, China, etc.)  Ryan did an excellent job this year skiing.  His head control was better than in previous years.  Also, his ski instructors mentioned how balanced he was on the center ski.  They did not know of our trip to China for stem cells.  At this point, I feel pretty confident saying that the stem cells have helped Ryan to make some improvements.  To many people have noticed and mentioned specific differences for it to be coincidence, such as:  better head control, less eye wandering and more engagement, better stepping, more appropriate emotional responses to those around him (ie.  if others are laughing, he starts to laugh and smile) and a general sense that he is more aware of and engaged with his surroundings.  Unfortunately, we still have seen no changes in many of the major areas of Ryan’s life, such as:  no reduction in seizures, no improvement in oral motor, spasticity, bowel/bladder control, or communication skills.  We are hopeful that we will see more progress as we go forward.  As always, thanks for your interest and support.  I will continue to update about once every two weeks.  Good luck to all.  Take care.  Dan, Suzanne, Ryan and Sarah Dickerson