Elysia's Stem Cell Treatments

Elysia's Stem Cell Treatment

Life teaches us that we need one another.  Elysia, the
daughter of Ken and Natalie Hejny from Grand Saline,
Texas has shown that life may take any of us in a
different direction than what anyone could plan when
we have children.  Elysia's journey continues to teach
her parents, family, and friends more about love,
acceptance, hope, and determination than they could
have ever imagined.  Here is her/their story: 

"Elysia struggled with depression, and a psychiatrist put her on a common antidepressants Lexapro at age 14.  Unfortunately, our sweet Elysia became a statistic.  The label on many of these medications warns against : IF YOU BECOME MORE SUICIDAL, CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN AND DISCONTINUE.  She was 14 years old, and did not communicate the increase in her mental or emotional pain.  She ultimately decided to attempt suicide and hung herself in the school restroom. She was resuscitated and stayed in the ICU for one month.  It was touch and go.  We spent 2+ years in speech, physical, and occupational therapy with marginal progress.  After researching for weeks, I found an equestrian therapy center near our home and also began driving to Dallas twice a week for neuro-biofeedback therapies.  This second round of new treatments lasted for 3 years.  She was gaining some ability to function on her own, i.e., knowing when to go the restroom, walk with a more natural gait, and she began to communicate more.  We've never given up. We've been thankful for all those helpers along her path of healing and have always prayed for more pieces to this puzzle.  Her well-being is our focus. 

At the end of 2019, a friend shared the story of a man who had received stem cell therapy treatments, and our interest and hopes were fueled.  My sweet husband used his inheritance from his grandmother to pay for this experimental therapy because we want the very best for our daughter's future.   WE'VE SEEN TREMENDOUS BENEFITS ALREADY!  We have already observed a  continuity in her awareness that has not existed in the 11 years since her brain injury.  She has also begun to dream again, which makes us believe dreaming while awake and setting goals for herself can also happen. 

Usually 5 or 6 treatments are required for the maximum benefit, so she has more treatments and more progress ahead of her.  She was given a reduced rate of $6,000 for her first shot/therapy.  The doctor agreed to continue to work with use to keep the cost as low as possible for the remainder of her treatments.  

We are not ones to ever ask for help, but any financial support to assist with covering the costs of additional Stem Cell treatments is appreciated more than you know, and rest assured, we are givers and WILL PAY IT FORWARD.    Thank you in advance for helping give our daughter a second chance at living a more normal life."
Blessings,
Ken & Natalie Hejny, Elysia's mother and father.

"You have to know darkness before you can appreciate the light.  You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it"
~Suicide Prevention Society~

If you, or anyone you know needs help, call the
Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255