January 27, 2012

A year has passed since I fell and injured my spinal cord. It's a date I'll never forget, but not exactly one that inspires jubilation. What IS cause for celebration is the fact that I'm still here! It has been a challenging year, to say the very least, but with the help of my family and friends, I've made it through. Words can't express how grateful I am for the kindness and generosity of all of you who have rallied to my support. I look to the future with hope, bolstered by the knowledge that whatever challenges I face, I am not alone.

January 10, 2011

I'm sitting in my private suite at Hospital Angeles with my Brother Dan. It's actually the nicest hospital room I've ever seen. The staff is attentive, competent, and professional. I feel that I am in good hands here. Today's stem cell procedure went well and I'll be discharged tomorrow. The doctors harvested approximately 300ml of adipose fat (I have plenty to spare), isolated the stem cells, and injected them into my cerebrospinal fluid both above and below my injury site. Some stem cells were also transplanted via IV to provide systemic benefits. I'm excited to work hard, build strength, and continue my recovery (augmented by the stem cells). I'll be watching my progress and will keep you all updated. Thank you all so much for your love and support- without you we couldn't make this happen!

Love Berkey

January 9, 2012

Happy 2012! Beginning a new year brings to mind fresh starts, resolutions for self-improvement, and commitments to making things better than they were last year. Today I am filled with the excitement of possibility. In a few hours, my brother Dan and I will drive to Mexico and check in to the Angeles Hospital for a three-day visit.

Tomorrow, The Regenerative Medicine Institute will harvest stem cells from my adipose tissue and inject them intrathecally into my cerebrospinal fluid. After the procedure I'll continue to work hard at physical therapy and we'll see what happens. Science! I'm acutely aware of the uncertainty and skepticism regarding stem cell therapy. I also know the proliferation of research and clinical trials in the field tells me of the promising results and flat-out miracles happening every day. Roll the dice with me and hope for the best!