Neil Riordan, PhD, Founder of the Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama will be speaking today, Wednesday, Feb 6 at the STEMSO International Stem Cell Society 2013 Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The topic of Dr. Riordan's discussion will be "Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Medicine:Mechanisms of action, sources, and delivery options"
The theme for this year's event is "Autologous Stem Cells: Who gets to decide..."
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Liposuction methods can adversely affect adipose tissue-derived stem cell yield and growth
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell yield and growth characteristics are affected by the tissue-harvesting procedure which was published in Cytotherapy (vol. 8 issue 2, 2006, pages 166-177)states that:
"Ultrasound-assisted liposuction resulted in a lower frequency of proliferating adult stem cells, as well as a longer population doubling time of adult stem cells, compared with resection..."
Those seeking adipose stem cell therapy should ask their doctor if he or she is using ultrasound assisted liposuction to collect the fat sample.
*Stem Cell Institute does not use ultrasound assisted liposuction.
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell yield and growth characteristics are affected by the tissue-harvesting procedure
M.J. Oedayrajsingh-Varma1, S.M. van Ham2, M. Knippenberg3, M.N. Helder4, J. Klein-Nulend3, T.E. Schouten5, M.J.P.F. Ritt1, F.J. van Milligen, PhD5,
1 Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2 Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research at CLB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3 Department of Oral Cell Biology, ACTA-Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
4 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
5 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14653240600621125, How to Cite or Link Using DOI
Permissions & Reprints
"Ultrasound-assisted liposuction resulted in a lower frequency of proliferating adult stem cells, as well as a longer population doubling time of adult stem cells, compared with resection..."
Those seeking adipose stem cell therapy should ask their doctor if he or she is using ultrasound assisted liposuction to collect the fat sample.
*Stem Cell Institute does not use ultrasound assisted liposuction.
Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell yield and growth characteristics are affected by the tissue-harvesting procedure
M.J. Oedayrajsingh-Varma1, S.M. van Ham2, M. Knippenberg3, M.N. Helder4, J. Klein-Nulend3, T.E. Schouten5, M.J.P.F. Ritt1, F.J. van Milligen, PhD5,
1 Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2 Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research at CLB, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3 Department of Oral Cell Biology, ACTA-Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
4 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
5 Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14653240600621125, How to Cite or Link Using DOI
Permissions & Reprints
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Patients beware: "Point of care" fat stem cell separation and counting kits inaccurate and not US FDA approved for humans.
Informative paper by Mary Pat Moyer, PhD detailing why "same-day" fat stem cell kits that are becoming more prevalent in doctors' offices across the US can miscount "stem cells" by large factors leading to over estimation of stem cell counts by as much as 20 times or more.
It also states, "no complete harvest and cell isolation systems have been approved by the FDA for autologous SVF harvest for immediate use [in humans]." These are just a couple of the arguments presented that demonstrate why it's important to process adipose tissue properly in a professional lab setting.
Morrison DG, Hunt DA, Garza I, Johnson RA, Moyer MP*. Counting and Processing Methods Impact Accuracy of Adipose Stem Cell Doses. BioProcess J, 2012; 11(4): 4-17
It also states, "no complete harvest and cell isolation systems have been approved by the FDA for autologous SVF harvest for immediate use [in humans]." These are just a couple of the arguments presented that demonstrate why it's important to process adipose tissue properly in a professional lab setting.
Morrison DG, Hunt DA, Garza I, Johnson RA, Moyer MP*. Counting and Processing Methods Impact Accuracy of Adipose Stem Cell Doses. BioProcess J, 2012; 11(4): 4-17
Monday, January 14, 2013
Medistem Inc. Annual Letter to Shareholders
SAN DIEGO, CA–(Marketwire – Jan 4, 2013) – Medistem Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : MEDS ) today issues the following letter to shareholders.
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
2012 was marked by significant progress in the development of the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC), our new universal donor “stem cell drug.” Most significantly, we initiated a double blind, placebo controlled clinical study in patients with end stage heart failure, in which ERC were administered via the Medistem’s patent-pending minimally invasive procedure. The clinical trial comprises three escalating doses of ERC with cohorts of 20 patients per dose. To date 14 patients have been treated with no adverse effects, thus demonstrating feasibility of the administration procedure, as well as safety of the cells. Because it is a double blind study, efficacy will not be known until the trial is completed. The clinical trial is being conducted at the Backulev Center for Cardiovascular Surgery in Moscow, Russia, by Academician Leo Bockeria. The company also initiated a 15 patient critical limb ischemia trial in China in collaboration with Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc. To date two patients have been treated. The trial is based on the Medistem critical limb ischemia study that has been cleared by the FDA.
In addition, we licensed from Yale University the world-wide rights for a patent application using ERC to treat Type 1 diabetes. We also initiated a program in type 1 diabetes, with the goal of filing an Investigational New Drug application before the end of 2013 to allow for clinical trial initiation.
In 2012, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) independently verified and published a peer reviewed article confirming ERC possess a markedly higher expression of genes associated with new blood vessel formation and stem cell potency compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The publication may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-10-207.pdf
In addition, our intellectual property was further enhanced with the issuance of patent #8,241,621 covering the use of fat derived stem cells for treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. We have also filed 2 patent applications covering the use of ERC for radiation protection and treatment of traumatic brain injury.
Also, in collaboration with several corporate and academic institutions we published a total of 7 peer reviewed papers in 2012 on collaborative breakthroughs we made in the areas of hepatitis, cancer, and prevention of transplant rejection.
Additionally, this year we added two new advisory board members including Gene Ray, Ph.D., and Alexander Gershman, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Ray was founder of the Titan Corporation, where he served as CEO and a director of the corporation since the company’s inception in 1981. In 2011, Titan Corporation was acquired by L-3 Communications for $2.6 billion. Dr. Gershman is one of the first surgeons in the world to apply the method of laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery to urology. He currently holds several hospital appointments, including: Director of Institute of Advanced Urology at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Director of Urologic Laparoscopy in the Division of Urology, and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Finally, this year marked a major transition in the leadership of the company. I was appointed to the position of CEO on October 26 and Dr. Thomas Ichim transitioned to the position of President and Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Ichim has done an outstanding job leading the company for the past four years and I look forward to working closely with him at commercializing the ERC product.
In 2013 our objective will be to meet the following milestones:
•Return to “fully reporting” status and listing on the OTCBB
•Appointment of at least one new board member
•Initiation of the FDA cleared critical limb ischemia trial in the USA
•Completing enrollment in the RECOVER-ERC double blind cardiac trial
•Filing an IND for type 1 diabetes.
I want to end by thanking our loyal shareholders for their continued support as Medistem continues on its mission to generate the first practical “stem cell medicine.”
Sincerely Yours,
Dr. Alan Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Medistem Inc.
About Medistem
Medistem Inc. is focused on the development of the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC), a universal donor adult stem cell product. ERCs possess specialized abilities to stimulate new blood vessel growth and can differentiate into lung, liver, heart, brain, bone, cartilage, fat and pancreatic tissue. These unique properties have applications for treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI), congestive heart failure (CHF), neurodegenerative diseases, liver failure, kidney failure, and diabetes. ERCs have been cleared by the FDA to begin studies in the United States.
ERCs have several distinguishing advantages to other stem cell therapies: a) Non-invasive method of collection; b) Unlimited supply of cells; isolated from menstrual blood of young healthy donors; c) Economical and scalable to manufacture; d) Exert higher therapeutic activity compared to other stem cells; and e) demonstrated safe in animal and pilot human studies.
Cautionary Statement
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
.
.
Contact:.
.
Thomas Ichim, Ph.D.
President and Chief Scientific Officer
Medistem Inc.
9255 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 450
San Diego, CA 92122
858 349 3617
www.medisteminc.com
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
2012 was marked by significant progress in the development of the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC), our new universal donor “stem cell drug.” Most significantly, we initiated a double blind, placebo controlled clinical study in patients with end stage heart failure, in which ERC were administered via the Medistem’s patent-pending minimally invasive procedure. The clinical trial comprises three escalating doses of ERC with cohorts of 20 patients per dose. To date 14 patients have been treated with no adverse effects, thus demonstrating feasibility of the administration procedure, as well as safety of the cells. Because it is a double blind study, efficacy will not be known until the trial is completed. The clinical trial is being conducted at the Backulev Center for Cardiovascular Surgery in Moscow, Russia, by Academician Leo Bockeria. The company also initiated a 15 patient critical limb ischemia trial in China in collaboration with Shanghai Jia Fu Medical Apparatus Inc. To date two patients have been treated. The trial is based on the Medistem critical limb ischemia study that has been cleared by the FDA.
In addition, we licensed from Yale University the world-wide rights for a patent application using ERC to treat Type 1 diabetes. We also initiated a program in type 1 diabetes, with the goal of filing an Investigational New Drug application before the end of 2013 to allow for clinical trial initiation.
In 2012, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) independently verified and published a peer reviewed article confirming ERC possess a markedly higher expression of genes associated with new blood vessel formation and stem cell potency compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The publication may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-10-207.pdf
In addition, our intellectual property was further enhanced with the issuance of patent #8,241,621 covering the use of fat derived stem cells for treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. We have also filed 2 patent applications covering the use of ERC for radiation protection and treatment of traumatic brain injury.
Also, in collaboration with several corporate and academic institutions we published a total of 7 peer reviewed papers in 2012 on collaborative breakthroughs we made in the areas of hepatitis, cancer, and prevention of transplant rejection.
Additionally, this year we added two new advisory board members including Gene Ray, Ph.D., and Alexander Gershman, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Ray was founder of the Titan Corporation, where he served as CEO and a director of the corporation since the company’s inception in 1981. In 2011, Titan Corporation was acquired by L-3 Communications for $2.6 billion. Dr. Gershman is one of the first surgeons in the world to apply the method of laparoscopic surgery and robotic-assisted surgery to urology. He currently holds several hospital appointments, including: Director of Institute of Advanced Urology at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; Director of Urologic Laparoscopy in the Division of Urology, and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Finally, this year marked a major transition in the leadership of the company. I was appointed to the position of CEO on October 26 and Dr. Thomas Ichim transitioned to the position of President and Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Ichim has done an outstanding job leading the company for the past four years and I look forward to working closely with him at commercializing the ERC product.
In 2013 our objective will be to meet the following milestones:
•Return to “fully reporting” status and listing on the OTCBB
•Appointment of at least one new board member
•Initiation of the FDA cleared critical limb ischemia trial in the USA
•Completing enrollment in the RECOVER-ERC double blind cardiac trial
•Filing an IND for type 1 diabetes.
I want to end by thanking our loyal shareholders for their continued support as Medistem continues on its mission to generate the first practical “stem cell medicine.”
Sincerely Yours,
Dr. Alan Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Medistem Inc.
About Medistem
Medistem Inc. is focused on the development of the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC), a universal donor adult stem cell product. ERCs possess specialized abilities to stimulate new blood vessel growth and can differentiate into lung, liver, heart, brain, bone, cartilage, fat and pancreatic tissue. These unique properties have applications for treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI), congestive heart failure (CHF), neurodegenerative diseases, liver failure, kidney failure, and diabetes. ERCs have been cleared by the FDA to begin studies in the United States.
ERCs have several distinguishing advantages to other stem cell therapies: a) Non-invasive method of collection; b) Unlimited supply of cells; isolated from menstrual blood of young healthy donors; c) Economical and scalable to manufacture; d) Exert higher therapeutic activity compared to other stem cells; and e) demonstrated safe in animal and pilot human studies.
Cautionary Statement
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
.
.
Contact:.
.
Thomas Ichim, Ph.D.
President and Chief Scientific Officer
Medistem Inc.
9255 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 450
San Diego, CA 92122
858 349 3617
www.medisteminc.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Jorge Paz MD – Adult Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis, Sports Injury, and Autoimmune Diseases (Part 3 of 3) || Video
Stem Cell Institute Spring Seminar 2012
Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert, AZ
Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis using adipose (fat) stem cell. Case study of 76 year-old man with osteoarthritis in his knees. Stromal vasular fraction treatment statistics including side effects collected over 800 infusions. Stem cell treatments for sports injuries and why pro sports stars are seeking treatment. Case study of a professional dancer with knee and neck problems who returned to competition after stem cell treatment in Panama.
Jorge Paz, MD is the Medical Director at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama
More information at www.cellmedicine.com
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Dr. Alan Lewis takes the reins as Medistem's new CEO
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is my great pleasure to announce that our company Medistem has been fortunate to recruit a leader in the field of drug development to join us as CEO. Dr. Alan Lewis has grown companies to the point of exit in our space, as well as led the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the largest supporter of diabetes research. Most importantly, Alan has watched Medistem grow since my joining in 2007, when I would periodically seek his advice on corporate direction and strategy. I will work closely with Alan in the position of President and Chief Scientific Officer.
Below please find the press release that we issued today.
Sincerely
Tom
Thomas Ichim, Ph.D
President and Chief Scientific Officer
Medistem Inc
9255 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 450
San Diego
CA 92121
858 349 3617
twitter: @thomasichim
www.medisteminc.com
SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 9th 2012) - Medistem Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MEDS) announced today appointment of Dr. Alan Lewis to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board. Since January, Dr. Lewis has been functioning in the capacity of Scientific Advisory Board Member for Medistem.
"We are enthusiastic that Dr. Lewis is taking the helm to help accelerate clinical development of the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) universal donor stem cell product, which is already a Phase I and Phase II studies for critical limb ischemia and congestive heart failure, respectively." Said Dr. Vladimir Bogin, Chairman of Medistem. "Dr. Thomas Ichim is assuming the role as the company's President and Chief Scientific Officer."
Dr. Lewis spent 15 years at the pharmaceutical company Wyeth-Ayerst, where he was Vice President of Research, leading translational research efforts in diabetes, CNS, cardiovascular, inflammatory, allergy and bone metabolism diseases. He subsequently became CEO of Signal Pharmaceuticals, a drug development company that he successfully merged with Celgene. He became CEO of Novocell Inc (Viacyte) and subsequently served as CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the largest research funding body for diabetes. Most recently he was CEO of Ambit Biosciences. He currently serves on the board of BioMarin (BMRN) and a number of private biotechnology companies.
"To date the Medistem team has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments by taking a stem cell from discovery to FDA clearance in the short span of 4 years; thus positioning the company as having the longest patent life among clinical-stage stem cell companies." Said Dr. Lewis. "In contrast to other types of stem cells, Medistem's ERC appears to be the most potent at stimulating production of new blood vessels. In addition, ERC's proven ability to differentiate into multiple tissue types has a potential to treat numerous indications."
Medistem has licensed intellectual property from Yale University related to using ERC to treat Type 1 Diabetes, which the company plans to develop into its third area of clinical trials.
About Medistem Inc. Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia and congestive heart failure. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf. ERC can be purchased for scientific use through Medistem's collaborator, General Biotechnology http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells.
Cautionary Statement This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contacts
Medistem Inc.
Thomas Ichim
President and Chief Scientific Officer
858-349-3617
Thomas.ichim@medisteminc.com
www.medisteminc.com
twitter: @thomasichim
It is my great pleasure to announce that our company Medistem has been fortunate to recruit a leader in the field of drug development to join us as CEO. Dr. Alan Lewis has grown companies to the point of exit in our space, as well as led the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the largest supporter of diabetes research. Most importantly, Alan has watched Medistem grow since my joining in 2007, when I would periodically seek his advice on corporate direction and strategy. I will work closely with Alan in the position of President and Chief Scientific Officer.
Below please find the press release that we issued today.
Sincerely
Tom
Thomas Ichim, Ph.D
President and Chief Scientific Officer
Medistem Inc
9255 Towne Centre Drive
Suite 450
San Diego
CA 92121
858 349 3617
twitter: @thomasichim
www.medisteminc.com
Biopharmaceutical Executive Dr. Alan Lewis Appointed as CEO of Medistem
World-Class Industry Expert to Accelerate Commercialization of Universal Donor Stem Cell Drug for Heart Failure, Critical Limb Ischemia and Type 1 Diabetes
SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 9th 2012) - Medistem Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MEDS) announced today appointment of Dr. Alan Lewis to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board. Since January, Dr. Lewis has been functioning in the capacity of Scientific Advisory Board Member for Medistem.
"We are enthusiastic that Dr. Lewis is taking the helm to help accelerate clinical development of the Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) universal donor stem cell product, which is already a Phase I and Phase II studies for critical limb ischemia and congestive heart failure, respectively." Said Dr. Vladimir Bogin, Chairman of Medistem. "Dr. Thomas Ichim is assuming the role as the company's President and Chief Scientific Officer."
Dr. Lewis spent 15 years at the pharmaceutical company Wyeth-Ayerst, where he was Vice President of Research, leading translational research efforts in diabetes, CNS, cardiovascular, inflammatory, allergy and bone metabolism diseases. He subsequently became CEO of Signal Pharmaceuticals, a drug development company that he successfully merged with Celgene. He became CEO of Novocell Inc (Viacyte) and subsequently served as CEO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the largest research funding body for diabetes. Most recently he was CEO of Ambit Biosciences. He currently serves on the board of BioMarin (BMRN) and a number of private biotechnology companies.
"To date the Medistem team has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments by taking a stem cell from discovery to FDA clearance in the short span of 4 years; thus positioning the company as having the longest patent life among clinical-stage stem cell companies." Said Dr. Lewis. "In contrast to other types of stem cells, Medistem's ERC appears to be the most potent at stimulating production of new blood vessels. In addition, ERC's proven ability to differentiate into multiple tissue types has a potential to treat numerous indications."
Medistem has licensed intellectual property from Yale University related to using ERC to treat Type 1 Diabetes, which the company plans to develop into its third area of clinical trials.
About Medistem Inc. Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia and congestive heart failure. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf. ERC can be purchased for scientific use through Medistem's collaborator, General Biotechnology http://www.gnrlbiotech.com/?page=catalog_endometrial_regenerative_cells.
Cautionary Statement This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contacts
Medistem Inc.
Thomas Ichim
President and Chief Scientific Officer
858-349-3617
Thomas.ichim@medisteminc.com
www.medisteminc.com
twitter: @thomasichim
Monday, October 1, 2012
Salute to Courage: Stem Cell Recipient Chris Niles earns award for his inspiration
Chris underwent stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama. It's great to see he's doing so well. Go Chris!
Patrick E. Litowitz
New Castle News
www.ncnewsonline.com
NEW CASTLE — A physician wanted to be clear with his patient — he would never walk again. The doctor repeated himself.
Chris Niles heard him the first time and knew he was moving forward regardless of the prognosis. The tree that crushed his spine on March 3, 2011, in the back yard of his Hickory Township home created a detour in his life. It didn’t end it.
Niles’ foundation of strength comes from numerous sources: his wife, Jennifer, and two sons, Christopher and Braden; family, friends and strangers; intense physical therapy; and stem cell treatments.
“Chris’ courage amazes me,” Jennifer said. “He still wakes up and faces every day with smile.”
Initially, he was paralyzed from his shoulder blades down. Today, the improvement has extended along the spinal cord to L1 vertebrae, the area near the large intestines. His feet and hip flexors contract, although he doesn’t control their motions. Then there are the tingling and burning sensations he feels in his lower extremities.
Along the journey, his willpower inspires others.
“He is a rock to many people without even knowing,” Jennifer said. “He makes this life look easy because he wants to prove to the world life can go on.”
Last night, her husband was honored as the New Castle Community YMCA’s Salute to Courage award recipient. A dinner in his honor took place at the Villa Banquet Center. The annual award goes to a Lawrence County resident demonstrating courage in recovering from an accident, injury or illness, in living with a disability or through an act of heroism, according to the Y.
More than 350 people attended.
“Chris got contagious,” his brother-in-law Raymond Omer said. “The fact that he has the injury is part of his motivation.
“This whole thing serves as an inspiration to this county. It’s awakened people that we are our brothers’ keepers.”
Chris’ lifelong friend, Carlo DiNardo, said he didn’t pity himself when the accident occurred.
“From Day One, whether he’s going to walk again or not, Chris is going to be OK. He’s not going to throw in the towel. … He can’t give up.
“He started thinking ahead — ‘Now what am I going to do?’ It wasn’t something that stopped him from life.”
Carlo said his friend’s drive is phenomenal.
“He wants to go to work. He wants to be a productive member of society. He also wants to give back.”
Raymond said assistance has come in layers. His family and friends remained steadfast in their support.
“Immediately after the injury, it was those people who had the most intimate relationship with Chris — people he worked with, people he saw every day.
“Now, we have those added layers of people who see this as a story of inspiration that want to participate in some way in Chris’ story. Their assistance is providing relief to those who were with Chris since that day of his injury.”
Although treatments will continue, Raymond and Carlo said Chris wants to take the attention away from him.
“We’re awestruck by the acts of kindness of the Lawrence County community and beyond,” Raymond said. “We’re ready to take this to the next step.
“Chris said to me, ‘I want to shut this down. I’m ready for my name and my fund to go to start helping other people.’ ”
Patrick E. Litowitz
New Castle News
www.ncnewsonline.com
NEW CASTLE — A physician wanted to be clear with his patient — he would never walk again. The doctor repeated himself.
Chris Niles heard him the first time and knew he was moving forward regardless of the prognosis. The tree that crushed his spine on March 3, 2011, in the back yard of his Hickory Township home created a detour in his life. It didn’t end it.
Niles’ foundation of strength comes from numerous sources: his wife, Jennifer, and two sons, Christopher and Braden; family, friends and strangers; intense physical therapy; and stem cell treatments.
“Chris’ courage amazes me,” Jennifer said. “He still wakes up and faces every day with smile.”
Initially, he was paralyzed from his shoulder blades down. Today, the improvement has extended along the spinal cord to L1 vertebrae, the area near the large intestines. His feet and hip flexors contract, although he doesn’t control their motions. Then there are the tingling and burning sensations he feels in his lower extremities.
Along the journey, his willpower inspires others.
“He is a rock to many people without even knowing,” Jennifer said. “He makes this life look easy because he wants to prove to the world life can go on.”
Last night, her husband was honored as the New Castle Community YMCA’s Salute to Courage award recipient. A dinner in his honor took place at the Villa Banquet Center. The annual award goes to a Lawrence County resident demonstrating courage in recovering from an accident, injury or illness, in living with a disability or through an act of heroism, according to the Y.
More than 350 people attended.
“Chris got contagious,” his brother-in-law Raymond Omer said. “The fact that he has the injury is part of his motivation.
“This whole thing serves as an inspiration to this county. It’s awakened people that we are our brothers’ keepers.”
Chris’ lifelong friend, Carlo DiNardo, said he didn’t pity himself when the accident occurred.
“From Day One, whether he’s going to walk again or not, Chris is going to be OK. He’s not going to throw in the towel. … He can’t give up.
“He started thinking ahead — ‘Now what am I going to do?’ It wasn’t something that stopped him from life.”
Carlo said his friend’s drive is phenomenal.
“He wants to go to work. He wants to be a productive member of society. He also wants to give back.”
Raymond said assistance has come in layers. His family and friends remained steadfast in their support.
“Immediately after the injury, it was those people who had the most intimate relationship with Chris — people he worked with, people he saw every day.
“Now, we have those added layers of people who see this as a story of inspiration that want to participate in some way in Chris’ story. Their assistance is providing relief to those who were with Chris since that day of his injury.”
Although treatments will continue, Raymond and Carlo said Chris wants to take the attention away from him.
“We’re awestruck by the acts of kindness of the Lawrence County community and beyond,” Raymond said. “We’re ready to take this to the next step.
“Chris said to me, ‘I want to shut this down. I’m ready for my name and my fund to go to start helping other people.’ ”
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