Wednesday – 11/21/2012

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of thanksgiving.” – W. T. Purkiser

Regardless of the ups and downs we inevitably face, there is always something to be thankful for. We have all been blessed with some type of a gift in our lives. Whether it is something that allows us to grow as individuals; an experience that causes pause for reflection and appreciation; the benefit another individual’s presence brings to our lives; or the value derived from good health; every single one of us has something to be thankful for. The gifts and blessings bestowed upon us are relative and should not be compared, but should certainly not be taken for granted either. Thanksgiving should be a part of our daily routine. Not just one day. Everyday.

I have the incredible good fortune that comes from being the recipient of others’ goodwill. This is something I usually experience on a daily basis, and I never allow myself to get used to it. I am extremely grateful for the prayers, support, messages, visits, etc. I receive. I do not take for granted the absolute fact that I am where I am today due to the grace of God and others. If anything, I am concerned that I do not express my gratitude enough. However, please know that while I work hard towards my recovery (physically, mentally, spiritually) for myself, I also see it as my obligation to do so for all those who have helped me. It is the most powerful way I know how to show you how truly grateful I am.

Several people sent me messages regarding the exciting news out of England earlier this week that relates to SCI research. An excerpt from one of the various news reports:

A 10-year-old dachshund left paralyzed after he was hit by a car can walk again thanks to a ground-breaking study that could eventually have major implications for humans. Researchers at Cambridge University took cells from the lining of Jasper’s nose and injected them into his spine, restoring his ability to move his hind legs. Jasper was one of 34 dogs to take part in the research, a collaboration between the university’s Veterinary School and the Medical Research Council’s Regenerative Medicine Centre. All of the dogs studied suffered paralyzed hind legs.

Some 23 participants received injections of their own olfactory ensheathing cells in their spine, while the remaining were given neutral fluid. Jasper could not use his hind legs at the beginning to the study. Several of the dogs that received the nose cell injections were able to regain mobility. Many, including Jasper, are able to walk on a treadmill with the help of a harness. The 11 who received the neutral injection failed to show any signs of improvement.

Professor Robert Franklin, the study’s co-author and a regenerist biologist at the Wellcome Trust-MRC Stem Cell Institute, said his team was thrilled by the results, the first to prove the effectiveness of transplanting nose cells. Olfactory ensheathing cells, unlike others in the central nervous system, are believed to regenerate.

“We’re confident that the technique might be able to restore at least a small amount of movement in human patients with spinal cord injuries but that’s a long way from saying they might be able to regain all lost function,” Franklin said in a statement. Professor Geoffrey Raisman, the first to discover olfactory ensheathing cells, said there is much more research to be done. “This is not a cure for spinal cord injury in humans – that could still be a long way off,” Raisman told BBC. “But this is the most encouraging advance for some years and is a significant step on the road toward it.”

A video highlighting the results can be seen below:

What gets me excited about this research is the fact that 1) Jasper’s injury was pre-existing and not manufactured in a controlled environment for the purpose of study, in other words it was a chronic SCI, and 2) the results were seen in a dog which has a much longer and more complex spinal cord than a rodent (where previous results have been noted). The recent discovery is just one more item to add to the long list of things I am thankful for.

Finally, the holiday shopping season kicks off around this time of year. Perhaps consider purchasing some of the available GEAR as a gift or stocking stuffer – while at the same time contributing to a worthy cause, one which I am grateful for… Everyday!

My sincerest thanks for the continued prayers and support! Happy Thanksgiving!

Stand Strong!

Scott