Jeannine
09-24-2010, 10:50 AM
Paralyzed Jockey Going to Panama for Stem-Cell Therapy
Posted by Howard Senzell on September 23rd, 2010
http://yourtown.pressdemocrat.com/2010/09/santa-rosa/paralyzed-jockey-going-to-panama-for-stem-cell-therapy/
Michael Martinez, who rode two stakes winners at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in August, will be flown to his native Panama where he will undergo adult stem-cell therapy.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the 24-year-old was deemed an unlikely candidate for embryonic stem-cell treatments that are in the experimental stage at Norwestern University in Illinois. After reviewing medical records, Dr. Richard Fessler informed the Martinez family that embryonic stem-cell treatments would probably not restore feeling to the jockey?s lower extremeties. The rider was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a spill September 12 at Golden Gate Fields.
The less desired alternative is the adult stem-cell treatment being tried in Panama.
In a statement, Golden Gate track doctor David Seftel said:
?The benefits of adult stem-cell treatments have been relatively modest, confined to improvement in sensation, bladder control and bowel control. But because it is so soon after the injury, it is possible Michael could get some of his motor control back. The sooner we get him to Panama, the better?
The embryonic stem-cell treatment, if it had worked, would have given Martinez more feeling and a chance to walk again. He suffered three shattered veterbrae and other injuries when his mount fell on him during a race at the Albany track.
According to the Chronicle, Martinez will be transferred soon from Highland Hospital in Oakland to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. From there, he will be transported to Panama.
Besides the two stakes winners at the Sonoma County Fair, Martiniez finished in a tie for second-leading rider behind Russell Baze. He was leading rider at the Sacramento meet held earlier in the summer.
Martinez and his wife, Charlotte, are expecting their first child. Donations to help the family should be made out to the Michael Martinez Fund and mailed to Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkeley, CA 94710.
Posted by Howard Senzell on September 23rd, 2010
http://yourtown.pressdemocrat.com/2010/09/santa-rosa/paralyzed-jockey-going-to-panama-for-stem-cell-therapy/
Michael Martinez, who rode two stakes winners at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in August, will be flown to his native Panama where he will undergo adult stem-cell therapy.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the 24-year-old was deemed an unlikely candidate for embryonic stem-cell treatments that are in the experimental stage at Norwestern University in Illinois. After reviewing medical records, Dr. Richard Fessler informed the Martinez family that embryonic stem-cell treatments would probably not restore feeling to the jockey?s lower extremeties. The rider was paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a spill September 12 at Golden Gate Fields.
The less desired alternative is the adult stem-cell treatment being tried in Panama.
In a statement, Golden Gate track doctor David Seftel said:
?The benefits of adult stem-cell treatments have been relatively modest, confined to improvement in sensation, bladder control and bowel control. But because it is so soon after the injury, it is possible Michael could get some of his motor control back. The sooner we get him to Panama, the better?
The embryonic stem-cell treatment, if it had worked, would have given Martinez more feeling and a chance to walk again. He suffered three shattered veterbrae and other injuries when his mount fell on him during a race at the Albany track.
According to the Chronicle, Martinez will be transferred soon from Highland Hospital in Oakland to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. From there, he will be transported to Panama.
Besides the two stakes winners at the Sonoma County Fair, Martiniez finished in a tie for second-leading rider behind Russell Baze. He was leading rider at the Sacramento meet held earlier in the summer.
Martinez and his wife, Charlotte, are expecting their first child. Donations to help the family should be made out to the Michael Martinez Fund and mailed to Golden Gate Fields, 1100 Eastshore Highway, Berkeley, CA 94710.