Waxing Poetically: Addressing Culture with a Twist of Poetry

(NEW YORK) — Consumers should be wary of Web sites from clinics that offer stem cell treatments, says a study that found a lack of firm medical evidence to back up their claims. The Web sites in the study generally portrayed their therapies as safe, effective and ready for routine use, but published research doesn’t support that “overoptimistic” picture, the study authors said.

Source: Time

In a December 4 report by the Associated Press and Time’s online version, the AP revealed a number of international websites boasting miracle stem cell treatments for Multiple Sclerosis, Spina Bifida, Parkinson’s Disease and several types of spinal cord injuries. Several treatments were found to be promoted in China, Mexico and Russia without any substantial study. The analysis is presented in the December issue of the journal Cell Stem Cell by scientists at the University of Alberta in Canada. According to the report, researchers coincidentally cautioned any potential patients that the study’s “overall findings can’t be applied to the claims of any individual clinic.” In all, 19 sites were studied, (none of which were American) and one report didn’t bother to give a location at all.

I decided to tackle this topic in order to address it from the perspective of a person with Cerebral Palsy. I like my life - and contrary to the assumptions of certain people and the varied and patronizing reactions my CP has aroused in the past, I have a brain and intellect, and a will that allows me to move through my life as best as a can. Furthermore, with the exceptions of terminal cases and those to whom their lives are worth risking for the possibility easing their daily pain, most “disabled” or “afflicted” people I know are most concerned with getting and keeping a job, caring for their families, or even laughing at a good joke Taking three steps out of a wheelchair is icing on the cake so to say. There are also those who were athletes or outdoors-minded folks who now sit paralyzed due to an accident. But life did not end for them - they lived on to live each day just like every person with struggles and trials They more than likely would like to be cured someday, so would I. But I also on behalf of so many others like me must say to those involved in these scams that I am not anyone’s laboratory quota, action figure, or Frankensteinian monster. I will not have my emotions toyed with and made an advertising niche for the sake of money and at the risk of a life that might actually be productive in its current and quite fulfilling state. It hurts my heart to know that my life means so little to you! I can only hope that you repent of your transgressions in the name competent scientists everywhere.

Wax in good health.

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