Howe makes ‘miraculous’ improvement
Family says 86-year-old hockey legend shows great progress after stem cell trial
DETROIT— Gordie Howe’s family says the hockey great has made a “miraculous” improvement after he participated in a stem cell clinical trial.
The 86-year-old Howe had a serious stroke in late October, but in a statement released through the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, his family said his physical therapists have been “astonished” by his progress.
Executives from Stemedica Cell Technologies contacted the family and facilitated Howe’s participation in the clinical trial. He had a two-day, non-surgical treatment that included neural stem cells injected into the spinal canal and mesenchymal stem cells by intravenous infusion.
For the first time since the stroke, Howe has been able to walk with minimal effort and converse comfortably with family.
“The treatment included neural stem cells injected into the spinal canal on Day 1 and mesenchymal stem cells by intravenous infusion on Day 2,” the family said. “His response was truly miraculous. At the end of Day 1 he was walking with minimal effort for the first time since his stroke. By Day 2 he was conversing comfortably with family and staff at the clinic.”
The family says Howe has been able to help out with daily household chores, and when tested, his ability to name items has gone from less than 25 per cent before the treatment to 85 per cent. “Although his shortterm memory, strength, endurance and co-ordination have plenty of room for improvement, we are hope- ful he will continue to improve in the months to come,” the family said.
“As a family, we are thrilled that dad’s quality of life has greatly improved, and his progress has exceeded our greatest expectations.”