Marcus Fruits, 3 years, Cerebral Palsy
Country: United States
Background and Diagnosis
We had no idea anything was wrong with Marcus when he was born at Salina Regional Health Center, but a few hours later, he started developing seizures.
Doctors at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, confirmed the form of cerebral palsy that affects the development and use of Marcus's muscles, including his arms and legs. They said it was from a lack of oxygen before, at or after his birth but there's no way to pinpoint exactly when it happened.
Marcus uses a walker to move around. He has trouble talking, and communicates with an electronic device with buttons he pushes to convey certain thoughts. Marcus also uses some sign language. On Thanksgiving Day, he began to crawl and that was a big milestone for us.
Progress After Stem Cell Treatment
One week and one day after treatment, Marcu had already started making progress!! He definitely gained some balance! Attached is a clip of his walking that day, it shows way more than I can even begin to say!
Marcus had a good Easter and enjoyed walking to the Easter eggs and picking them up! He is continuing to improve everyday.
He is crawling so fast now that he is into everything! He is using his hands more and more, and is starting to use his index fingers more. He is signing several words to us, such as please, go, thank you, bye bye, eat, more, and all done. He is also starting to do two part signing, such as, more please or go please.
Marcus continues to do well walking. We are still trying to teach him how to fall so that he does not get hurt. At therapy, Allison, his physical therapist, was able to stretch him more than he has ever been able to be stretched! It was amazing to see him being stretched and not screaming because it hurt.
We are currently looking into Marcus doing therapeutic horse back riding. It is supposed to help with stretching and with balance! Well that is pretty much all that has been going on here....just a lot of therapy, playing outside and having fun!
Treatment Evaluation Process
In order to be evaluated for treatment, patients must complete an online medical history form. Once you've completed the online medical history and submitted it, a patient relations consultant will contact you. He or she will assist you with the rest of the evaluation process. Upon treatment approval, your consultant will also assist you with treatment scheduling and trip preparation.
