Boy Walking Six Months After Stem Cell Treatment

SACRAMENTO
CBS13
12 March 2008

A Sacramento boy who underwent experimental treatment is getting national attention and making miraculous strides. We first documented his dramatic changes in November, and even since then has made incredible progress.

"It was like something clicked in him, you could see it," said Derak Hextell, the boy's father.

A few steps are amazing strides for this little boy and the medical possibilities he represents. Dallas Hextell, six months ago, suffered from cerebral palsy and was trapped in a body he had little control over. At 18 months old, he was unable to speak, crawl, or even point, only able to communicate by screaming.

Dallas' parents made the decision to preserve the blood from his umbilical cord, which contained stem cells. In an experimental treatment, Dallas' stem cells were put back into his body through a simple IV, an attempt to let the stem cells heal the damaged part of Dallas' brain.

Within five days of treatment, dramatic changes could be seen. Dallas spoke his first work, and learned to wave. Three months after treatment, the little boy who lacked muscle control became mobile and curious.

"The fog that was over him lifted and he became a little boy."

Just recently, Dallas took his first steps.

There is no way to know if or how much the improvements are directly related to the treatment, and Dallas' own doctor cautions that more research is needed.

"We are pleased with how Dallas is doing but we can't honestly say it's because of the stem cells," said Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg from Duke University.

It's not a promise for a cure, but a little hope for the potential held in the tiny cells.

http://cbs13.com/health/Sacramento.Stem.Cell.2.676148.html

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