From: drew schemera [mailto:schemera@...]
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 6:47 PM
To: tazi@...
Cc: jon@...; deac88@...; chinastemcells@yahoogroups.com
Subject:

Hey Guys,

Hope all is well!

My name is Drew Schemera.  I am 34 and have ALS.  I recently got back Shenzhen, China-Nanshan Hospital on June 25th.  I was there 1 month.  It was a grand experience for me and my sister.  I live in stamford, connecticut, usa.  I have bulbar symptons-meaning I Have difficulty speaking and swallowing.  And right side weakness.  I recieved 5 stem cell injections and nerve growth factor.  And physical and occupational therapy twice daily.  The docs, nurses and Beike staff are great people.  I am scheduled to go back in december.  The hospital is modern and spotless.  The living quarters are great.  And the surrounding city is very user friendly. 

Upon my arrival home-my speech and swallowing have improved to the point where I now can eat anything without choking and people can understand me-and my right side is holding up!  I am going back because it is working!  I have a blog that chronicles my whole trip and recovery.  I write to it 2-3 times a week.  www.schemera.blogspot.com . 

Feel free to email or call me anytime-I am here to help in anyway I can.

Keep fighting the good fight.  And remember --hope is a good thing maybe the best of things!

Best,

Drew J. Schemera III