After discussions with physicians, it has become clear that the only possible treatment for
me is stem cell therapy. The therapy I am pursuing is adult mesenchymal stem cell
therapy. This means that the cells used in treatment will be harvested either from my
own body (autologous) or from umbilical cord blood. No embryonic stem cells will be
used. Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent and have been shown to regenerate
muscle. This therapy is not available in the U.S. and those who are similarly situated
would have to wait years or longer for clinical trials to conclude before this therapy is
widely available and covered by insurance. Many, such as myself, cannot wait that long.
A change in Food and Drug Administration regulations could speed the process, but until
then travel overseas is the only option.
me is stem cell therapy. The therapy I am pursuing is adult mesenchymal stem cell
therapy. This means that the cells used in treatment will be harvested either from my
own body (autologous) or from umbilical cord blood. No embryonic stem cells will be
used. Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent and have been shown to regenerate
muscle. This therapy is not available in the U.S. and those who are similarly situated
would have to wait years or longer for clinical trials to conclude before this therapy is
widely available and covered by insurance. Many, such as myself, cannot wait that long.
A change in Food and Drug Administration regulations could speed the process, but until
then travel overseas is the only option.
Fighting Muscular Dystrophy...One Man's Journey
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My Background...
By way of background, I am currently a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of
Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. I study issues of race, disability,
democracy and human rights. My most recent article was on the subject of disability and
genocide, read more. I earned undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology from
Rutgers University, and Master’s and law degrees from Howard University. I have won
many awards, worked for prestigious law firms, held competitive internships and
performed volunteer work all while battling my disease. I have written a short op/ed about
some of my experiences, read more . Unfortunately, my condition has progressed to the
point where I am no longer able to work or volunteer. Because of the muscle wasting
associated with my disease, I suffer weakness and fatigue, have neurological issues,
am only able to walk short distances and can neither eat nor drink. I receive all nutrition
through a tube in my stomach. Presently, my condition continues to deteriorate.
By way of background, I am currently a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of
Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania. I study issues of race, disability,
democracy and human rights. My most recent article was on the subject of disability and
genocide, read more. I earned undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology from
Rutgers University, and Master’s and law degrees from Howard University. I have won
many awards, worked for prestigious law firms, held competitive internships and
performed volunteer work all while battling my disease. I have written a short op/ed about
some of my experiences, read more . Unfortunately, my condition has progressed to the
point where I am no longer able to work or volunteer. Because of the muscle wasting
associated with my disease, I suffer weakness and fatigue, have neurological issues,
am only able to walk short distances and can neither eat nor drink. I receive all nutrition
through a tube in my stomach. Presently, my condition continues to deteriorate.
This photo represents my
confrontation of not only race and
disability, but also class and
sexuality, as seen through my own
experiences as a disabled Black
man who once earned a six-figure
salary, read more
confrontation of not only race and
disability, but also class and
sexuality, as seen through my own
experiences as a disabled Black
man who once earned a six-figure
salary, read more