Dear Professor Smikodub,

after such a long time we would like to let you know about our daughter F... When she came to your clinic almost one year ago, the insulin dose was around 50 units daily; since then it has been slowly going down and is know 15-20 units daily.Her weight is 58 kg. so this is quite low. It had not been so low since 1997 and we think that although she did not have the main stem cells treatment, whatever she had in your clinic has been very good for the diabetes.

The retinopathy evolution is what is now worrying us; she had vitrectomy operations on both eyes last May and June; she still has the silicon oil in both eyes and the doctor says it is safer to leave it in for a while, although it causes cataracts, which she already has, and will have to be removed together with the silicon oil. This notwithstanding she can see well enough for normal life and work and we are praying that proliferation and hemorrages won't start again.

We thought that the only way to make sure of this was to have a beta- cells transplant, even if this means a continous antirejection therapy but we took in high account your advice…, and although she is still on tha waiting list in M… for this transplant we did not insist and claim urgency. As you had advised, we would like to try to complete the treatment in your clinic and only if it does not work, proceed with the islets transplant in M…..

Would it be possible to come to your clinic during the next weeks? It is urgent because we would like to try that before renouncing the transplant in M…. She still has the silicon oil and so there is less risk of hemorrages,and the visa she got last year expires next February 27.

We still have the best memories of all the kindness and support we received from you and all the staff last year. Please give our best thoughts and thanks to everyone. Looking forward to your answer, best regards
D… and R… M. F…

Dear Prof. Karpenko,

Bryan is doing well and will be starting to go to school this coming Jan. 8. He's really very active right now. My wife and Bryan's therapists are very happy with him. We hope that he continues to progress as the time passes by.

Also, I got a call from Fia Richmond and she said that she and Veronique are trying to get the clinical trial here in the US approved. I told her that we are willing to be a participant and help them with the information needed to apply for the approval. She said that you've already spoke with them. Hopefully, everything will turn out fine.

Please give our regards to Dr. Smikodub and all of your staff. HAVE A HAPPY AND WONDERFUL NEW YEAR! Thank you very much. Sincerely, Dan...

Dear Doctors:

We just received a score sheet from academic testing that Max went through a few weeks ago.  Max received the highest score possible for reading comprehension - 99%, above average scores on Math and logic and reasoning.  We were very impressed with these results considering that last year, he was considered learning disabled.  He recently received 100% on a government test and daily receives A's on math tests.  Also, he is learning Spanish very well.

We can only account for this success and drastic change from last year as resulting because of stem cell transplants.  I believe the cells have increased Max's cognitive skills and ability to concentrate.  His attention capabilities have drastically increased. We will send you a graph of his academic testing for use in keeping track of stem cell therapy for DMD.

Since most DMD boys have some form of learning disability this is quite remarkable. Max has started to increase in strength to a small degree.  We still want him to be transplanted as planned.

Thank you.
Sincerely, Peggy ...

...I have meant to write earlier but, with the rush of Christmas and my holiday in Bali with my son, and then the work that waited for me on my return, the time was flown by too quickly.

However, you have been in my thoughts frequently for a number of reasons. First, I was very impressed by the warmth and hospitality shown to me by you, your colleagues and the staff at the clinic. Secondly, the effect of the treatment was quite dramatic. In one way it is good that I waited until now to write to you as it allows. to reflect on the benefits from the therapy. I will outline these below for your consideration:

- My energy level is much higher. I was very active physically during my holiday in Indonesia and I never seemed to feel tired. I am now able to play 2 to 3 hours of tennis without undue strain and my body seems to recuperate more quickly.

- My mental processes are improved. I feel that I can concentrate better, that my thought processes are clearer and quicker. Again, I seemed to be able to work long hours and still concentrate and work effectively.

- My sexual capacity has improved dramatically.

- Several people commented that I look younger.

... the treatment was very effective and I am satisfied with results...

Dear Drs. Smikodub and Karpenko

I am pleased to say that my CD-4 cells have gone from 21 to 57 between 20 March and 20 May. Although I have had an infection in my IV port that may have come about due to the stronger immune response, the overall effect is good. My weight has gone from 100 lbs. to 121 lbs this morning.

Re. papers you gave me, I have forwarded Dr. Karpenko's papers to people at DOT and DOE in Washington, DC, and am receiving favorable support in getting the EmCell paper by Dr. Smikodub to the New England Journal, into hands that can be useful in following up on the data. My own personal endorsement will go along.

I have been trying to reach the Greenbergs, and will be sending them data and bloodwork results as soon as I reach them. Things are good, and I think I shall return in either September or October, perhaps with a delegation of other patients for treatment.

Finally, I am pleased to report that on 14 June in Stockholm, I am being given the Honorable Medal of Konstantin E. Tsiolkovski, and although I will not receive it in person, and quite proud of the medal. Mr. Hospodar, for his part, has been studying Russian and is making great progress.

Thanks again for all your assistance.

Best wishes,
TBH@12474