Since my injury, so many of my family and friends have stepped up and helped out. Your generous support has come in numerous forms- emotional, spiritual, logistical, and financial. Every day, your kindness and caring motivates me to work hard toward my recovery. I don't know how to adequately express the gratitude felt by myself and my family.
I have, however, found a way for people to benefit from any monetary contributions they might make to my cause. The National Transplant Assistance Fund and Catastrophic Injury Program (NTAF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that I've engaged to assist in fundraising. Funds raised through NTAF will be used to pay for uninsured medical expenses (stem cell therapy, for example). Thanks to NTAF's 501(c)(3) status, any donations made in my honor are tax-deductible!
Any one wishing to make a donation can follow the link on the right side of this blog page
To my NTAF web page. Thanks again to all who have helped me out, your kindness shall not be forgotten!
Sincerely, Berkey
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
August 4, 2011
The ball is rolling! I've embarked on a path that will hopefully lead to Central America and stem cell therapy. My ultimate destination is The Stem Cell Institute (cell medicine.com) in Panama City. Since the beginning of this journey of recovery, my doctors, family, friends, and myself have been discussing and researching the possibilities, as well as the realities, of numerous alternative or progressive treatments (amazing how open-minded one becomes when put in this situation). Stem cell therapy is one of the most important developments in modern medicine, promising potential benefits for numerous afflictions and ailments, including spinal cord injury.
Stem cell therapy is not readily available in the U.S., although clinical trials are on the rise. Most patients seeking this cutting-edge treatment must travel internationally at significant expense, but the possibility of increased and/or accelerated recovery is well worth the effort- nothing ventured, nothing gained!
We have approached researching this subject with a level of skepticism as there are, indeed, quacks out there who are little more than snake-oil pitching charlatans.
I've been in contact with the Stem Cell Institute via e-mail and phone and, so far, I'm encouraged by the exchanges we've had. The next step for me is to submit an MRI scan of my injury site and an x-ray of my lumbar spine(where stem cells will be injected directly into my spinal fluid).
I am excited by the possibilities of the future, and promise to keep updating as this journey unfolds!
Cheers, Berkey
Stem cell therapy is not readily available in the U.S., although clinical trials are on the rise. Most patients seeking this cutting-edge treatment must travel internationally at significant expense, but the possibility of increased and/or accelerated recovery is well worth the effort- nothing ventured, nothing gained!
We have approached researching this subject with a level of skepticism as there are, indeed, quacks out there who are little more than snake-oil pitching charlatans.
I've been in contact with the Stem Cell Institute via e-mail and phone and, so far, I'm encouraged by the exchanges we've had. The next step for me is to submit an MRI scan of my injury site and an x-ray of my lumbar spine(where stem cells will be injected directly into my spinal fluid).
I am excited by the possibilities of the future, and promise to keep updating as this journey unfolds!
Cheers, Berkey
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