Metro Detroit Boy Undergoes Groundbreaking FDA Stem Cell Trial For Cerebral Palsy

byKathryn Larson WWJ Newsradio 950

Its a ground breaking new FDA trial. And a Metro Detroit boy is one of the first children in the world to participate in the procedure to treat his cerebral palsy with the use of cord blood stem cells.

It takes a lot of love, but life in the Kijek house is full of joy, smiles and now hope.

He has a contagious laugh and that smile. Hes a really cool kid. Hes in there. He wants to do all of those things. He loves snowmobiling he loves going on rides at amusement parks. Anything that little boys love, said Maureen Kijek.

Meet Drew, his mom Maureen and dad Christopher. Each day, they care for their 11 year with old son. Drew suffers from cerebral palsy. The condition causes muscle spasms, tremors and the inability to voice his thoughts or even hold his head up.

His brain and his muscles dont work together. The things that he wants to do he lacks the motor coordination for, explained Kijek.

And that means life can be a challenge at times.

Its like baby steps weve got to cross the Grand Canyon, but weve got to do it a centimeter at a time. said Kijek.

The familys one-year-old dog provides comfort and companionship. But the Kijeks say even though Harley helps it can still be hard. He gets frustrated when he cant express his wants and needs, said Kijek.

But all that could soon change. Even if hes just more comfortable in his body after the stem cell implantation thatll be a blessing, said Kijek.

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Metro Detroit Boy Undergoes Groundbreaking FDA Stem Cell Trial For Cerebral Palsy