Ken's Journey To Recovery--Ordinary Miracle

As I wait for Ken's first stem cell injection tomorrow, I reflect back on where we were just two short years ago. We didn't know if stem cells were going to work. Not many people had done it for autism then (less than 100, probably less than 50). We knew it was safe, adult stem cells have been studied and tested for over 40 years. We knew that we would be out a lot of money if it didn't work. We knew we would always wonder "what if..." if we didn't try...

I will never go back to being an ordinary person. I am jealous of ordinary people. You have it good, you don't know how hard it is, nor would I wish that knowledge on you.

To those of you wondering if stem cells are right for your child, get with it. No one is going to fix your child. You need to do it yourself. No doctor cares about your child. It is your responsibility. Before stem cells, we spent three hours a day in a hyperbaric chamber with Kenneth. THAT IS 8 DAYS OF DAYLIGHT A MONTH!!!!!!!!!! 8 DAYS IN A CHAMBER, CAN YOU CONCEPTUALIZE THAT?

Daniel Faiella taught me to fight for my son--to rise above ordinary and become extrodinary. He taught me not to be a regular autism parent and accept what I was told. When I hear the following words, I always think of him and our beginning in finding a cure for Kenneth which led us to stem cells.



Each day is a gift and not a given right

Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind

And try to take the path less traveled by

That first step you take is the longest stride



Against the grain should be a way of life

What's worth the prize is always worth the fight

Every second counts 'cause there's no second try

So live like you'll never live it twice

Don't take the free ride in your own life



You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars

Regardless of who you are

So do whatever it takes

'Cause you can't rewind a moment in this life

Let nothin' stand in your way

Cause the hands of time are never on your side