Help Finley get Stem Cell Therapy

We are reaching out to anyone willing to help raise money for our son Finley. Our goal is to get him stem cell treatment that is not currently available in the UK.

Finley was not breathing when he was born and had to be resuscitated, complications during the birth led to him sustaining a massive brain injury. He was diagnosed with Grade 3 HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy – lack of oxygen to the brain causing permanent damage) at 2 days old, after an MRI showed severe global damage to his brain. After a lengthy stay in the NICU where he wasn’t expected to survive, he proved us all wrong and was able to come home. He is now 18 months old and suffers from Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy that has caused him to become blind. Whilst he is unable to move or see like other children, he is able to smile and has his own little personality, loves a long cuddle and enjoys listening to music while in his standing frame.

We are hoping to take Finley to The Stem Cell Institute in Panama where he would receive umbilical cord stem cells from a donor. It is impossible to repair damaged brain tissue but the aim of this therapy would be to enhance the healthy cells so that his brain can make alternative pathways to further his development. In other children with similar disabilities as Finley, this therapy has been able to improve cognition, motor skills and vision. We are really hoping to give Finley this same opportunity as any gain will significantly increase his quality of life and it is important we start this as early on in his life as possible to maximize his chances of improving developmentally and living a longer life.

The cost of the stem cell therapy and intensive physio programme that is needed following the treatment is expected to cost around £20,000, we obviously don’t expect to receive this much but we would be so grateful to anyone who might be able to help us get to Panama and start this treatment for our boy.

THANK YOU

The Smart family

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Any money we raise would be exclusively used to fund Finley’s treatment (not flights, accommodation, food etc.)

The Stem Cell Institute website if you would like to read more about the therapy - https://www.cellmedicine.com