8-yr-old Nongbet benefits from stem cell therapy

SHILLONG: The success story of 8-year-old Ethan Nongbet’s post stem cell therapy has prompted a delegation of doctors from NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute, Navi Mumbai to collaborate with the state government in providing awareness about the treatment.
During a press conference in the city on Thursday, head of surgical services of the institute, Richa Bansod informed that the delegation met state government health secretary, Pravin Bakshi who gave a positive response to work together in spreading awareness about stem cell therapy by conducting workshops and other programmes.
Bansod also informed that that a free camp for all Meghalaya residents will be held in Guwahati on April 28.
Stem cell therapy is the answer to autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, mental retardation, brain stroke, muscular dystrophy, dementia, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and neuro-psychiatric disorders, spinal cord injury, and head injury, as pointed out by doctors from NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute.
Prior to stem cell therapy, Ethan, the first patient from Shillong who was treated at the Hospital was toe walking, he had difficulty in squatting, walking and climbing stairs, suffered poor posture of spine, his posture and gait had started deteriorating, had breathing difficulties.
However, post stem cell therapy, the little boy is now able to walk upright albeit with little difficulty.
Ethan’s mother, Ivoreen Nongbet said she was suggested to conduct CPK test for him in order to further investigate about his deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with Muscular dystrophy during August 2018.
Ethan’s consulting neurologist suggested about Stem Cell therapy and upon browsing through the internet and reviewing various posts and videos on YouTube, Ivoreen contacted NeuroGen Brain & Spine Institute.
Ethan visited NeuroGen BSI in November 2018 and underwent Neuro Regenerative Rehabilitation Therapy.
Before the Stem Cell therapy, he underwent NRRT for one week and was well trained by well experienced physiotherapist, occupational therapist and psychology councilors. Ethan practices rehabilitation upon coming back home after due treatment.
The improvements seen in Ethan post the stem cell therapy are his walking speed which has increased.
Ivoreen urged parents not to delay if they notice any neurological disorder but to take their children for treatment.
Bansod said, “We have seen tremendous improvement in the patient.”
Commenting about the cost, she said if the patient is unable to afford, there is a Trust and relief funds are provided from the government.” When asked, she said around 100 patients from North East are being treated and Ethan is the first from Shillong.