Stem Cells

We are getting close to that time where we need to decide whether or not we are going to do the Stem Cell Therapy again. On Friday, when Luke's home bound Physical Therapist came to see him, he asked me that same question. I told him we are struggling with the decision, so I asked him what he would do. He said, based on the improvements he has seen in Luke he would for sure do it again. He said the progress Luke has made since April takes most kids that he sees years to make. See, Mike and I don't know these things. To us, walking and talking is the progress we want to see, forgetting about the baby steps it takes to get there. So, please pray for guidance as we decide if, where, and when to go for the therapy again. Luke can go again the end of October. This brings me to my next point...I have said this before, but if you are pregnant or know anyone that is, please tell them to save that cord blood! My sister did when she had her son in April and recently received this story from the place it is stored:

Chloe Levine, who suffered brain injury from a stroke before she was born, is one of the latest CBR Clients (Cord Blood Registry) whose life is now dramatically different because her parents saved her cord blood. Her inspiring story, which was broadcast on the news this week, clearly shows the exciting new uses for cord blood and the profound impact it has had for Chloe and her family. Here is the link: http://www.cordblood.com/azfamily1.asp.Injuries and accidents can happen to anyone at anytime. More than 1 million children sustain brain injuries each year in the U.S. Based on Chloe's experience - as well as several other CBR children - a child's own cord blood holds tremendous promise as a treatment for healing injuries to the brain and other nerve tissue. I encourage you to take a look at Chloe's story and share it with your family and friends.

We recently found out we are expecting a new baby in March 2009 (a huge surprise for us but nonetheless we know this baby is coming for a reason.) You better believe we are saving that child's cord blood. In fact, I have already emailed the doctor at Duke that is using the cord blood in cases of CP. As of now, they are not doing it using siblings cord blood, but she definitely said to save it because it is coming! So, I will probably be emailing her every three months to see if it is time for that yet. It would just be so much easier if it were already happening in the US!

Updates on Luke this week: making new sounds, if only we knew what he is trying to tell us. I was amazed at how good he did at therapy on Friday working on crawling and getting onto the couch. We have an appointment this Thursday for the pre-op visit for his eye surgery. Please continue prayers of healing and restoration, as well as guidance on the stem cells once again. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth ... John 16:13 NLT Thanks so much! Believe!