In 10 days Hunter and I will be boarding a plane to Costa Rica, I would love to say that we are going for a relaxing vacation in one of those tiki huts on the water! Instead, we are taking Nolan to receive stem cells at The Stem Cell Institute in Panama City, Panama. Two years ago, in the middle of a world wide pandemic I read the healing effects that stem cells have with autism symptoms. If you google treatments for autism you will be at the computer for days. Millions of therapies, supplements, medications, schools, programs, and books. There is no rulebook or guidebook for autism. If there was a "one size fits all" approach I promise you I would have found it by now! So, when I read that stem cells can help someone with the struggles of autism, I didn't think much of it. Even if it were true, I wasn't going to fly seven hours with my chid who had never been on a plane before, to a place I'd never been, and let people put only God knows what in his body in the middle of a pandemic! Too much out of my comfort zone!

Over time, I kept hearing about stem cells from other parents in online support groups I follow. The nurse in me got interested, and started researching more information and learning the science behind stem cell therapy. It is truly amazing! When new, healthy stem cells are put into the body they target areas of inflammation and injury. In Nolan's case, and many others with autism, his biggest struggles are stomach issues, speech, sleep, self injury, and focus. If any of these are caused from inflammation in his body, then stem cells could help. I began to look for other people who have had this sort of treatment done and found so many! Over the course of about a year I talked to families that had great success with stem cell treatments and gave their child an easier way of life. The nagging thought of taking Nolan kept at me but the fear of getting him there, the process, and getting our hopes up was greater. Finally, this summer, Hunter and I decided to take the leap and apply to see if Nolan was a candidate. If we are able to do this for him then why shouldn't we try. There is no way to know if Nolan will benefit from stem cells. There are no negative side effects except the possibility of hyperactivity and irritability for a few weeks to a few months after the treatment, but it is temporary. We also don't know what benefits his body will have to the stem cell treatments as every child is different. We just wait, pray, and see. I was hesitant to share this new journey publicly for fear of judgement and gossip, but the need for prayers are greater than worrying about other's opinions. Pray for Harper as she stays home with family for the week we are gone. Please pray for a safe trip, positive effects, and a good experience for Nolan! Thanks in advance!