From "May Never Walk" to Baseball Practice: Leo's Stem Cell Success Story
When doctors told Jacqueline Wood that her son Leo might never walk if he hadn't started by age three, she refused to accept that as his final destiny. Today, Leo isn't just walking—he's running, playing sports, and living an active life that once seemed impossible, thanks to stem cell therapy.
The Beginning of Their Journey
Leo was diagnosed with mild spastic cerebral palsy at around age two, experiencing significant motor delays. Despite trying various alternative treatments—including hyperbaric oxygen treatment, supplements, naturopathy, and acupuncture—Leo remained unable to walk independently.
"His neurologist had said, if he doesn't walk by the time he was three, he may never walk," Jacqueline recalls about their visit to Stanford Children's Hospital. While the holistic treatments they tried helped with some developmental aspects, none achieved the breakthrough they were hoping for in terms of mobility.
The Panama Connection
The family's life changed when they discovered the Stem Cell Institute in Panama in 2017. After Leo's first stem cell treatment, he achieved what had seemed impossible: he started walking independently.
"Since 2017, Leo has had about six treatments at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama," Jacqueline shares. "And now he's walking, running... Leo is playing sports. Leo is very active with his brother and friends."
Beyond Walking: Comprehensive Improvements
The impact of stem cell therapy extended far beyond just helping Leo walk. As Jacqueline explains, "The stem cells has helped us... not only has helped Leo with his gross motor and fine motor delays, but it has just improved the quality of life for our entire family, which has been amazing."
Currently, Leo receives stem cell treatments every three months, maintaining and building upon his progress. He's now involved in activities that once seemed out of reach:
Playing baseball
Participating in home school co-op activities
Being active with his siblings and friends
Engaging in regular physical activities
Building Community Through Shared Experiences
The Woods' journey has connected them with other families pursuing stem cell therapy, creating a supportive community of parents and patients sharing similar experiences. They first met other families at the Stem Cell Institute in Panama, and these connections have grown into lasting relationships and ongoing support networks.
Looking Forward
Leo's story represents hope for other families facing similar challenges. From a child who doctors thought might never walk to an active young athlete, his journey demonstrates the potential of stem cell therapy to transform lives.
His ongoing progress and maintenance treatments show that with proper support and innovative treatments, children can overcome significant physical challenges and achieve what might have once seemed impossible.
