American Mom has Stem Cell Transplant and Wins War Against MS

 

Brooke Slick photographed nearly six months after her stem cell transplant and initial chemotherapy.

After being trapped in a body racked by multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than seven years, a 49-year-old Pennsylvanian woman has had stem cell treatment that has turned her life around.
Wife and mother of one, Brooke Slick had been suffering from severe symptoms, starting with diminished vision in one eye in 2001. Even though doctors picked up “enhancing” lesions in her brain, it wasn’t until 2005 that they diagnosed MS. Additional symptoms included:

• Right foot drop that made her feel as if she had a concrete block or dead bear tied to her foot
• Profound loss of hearing in her right ear
• Loss of strength, feeling and dexterity in her right arm and both hands
• Numb fingers, feet and toes, and numbness around her middle
• Severe though sporadic spasticity in the form of muscle spasm in her rib cage
• Constant lack of balance that resulted in numerous falls at home and in public

Her body was bombarded with numerous therapeutic drugs, but the symptoms continued to worsen. By July 2012 all her options had been exhausted. That was when she began to research possibilities and discovered people all over the world were having stem cell transplants to halt MS.

 

Brooke took the initiative and was accepted for treatment in Moscow, Russia. It is not yet available in the United States of America because it’s considered “experimental treatment” – and she didn’t qualify for any US trials. Her admission date was April 28, 2013.

 

Stem Cell Treatment for MS

Hematopoietec stem cell transplant (HSCT) for multiple sclerosis is a highly specialized treatment that is designed to stop the progression of the illness and re-establish the immune system.

 

Brooke’s own stem cells were collected and frozen in preparation for the treatment that was to be done after intense chemotherapy that would take place over four days. The plan was that the stem cells would be returned to her body intravenously after chemo, to re-establish her immune system that contained the t-cells where the MS was present, and that was deliberately destroyed during the chemotherapy process.

 

As Brooke explains on her web site, Hello, Russia! B-bye, MS, her “new” immune system would have no “memory” of MS once the old immune system was wiped out. “MS held me captive long enough. It’s my turn now.”

 

Explaining to me in a little more detail she said the re-injected stem cells were intended to act as “a rescue team” to help her recover from treatment more quickly. “The stem cells do not play a hand in halting the MS. The chemo is the true hero in this treatment, because it is what abates the t-cells.” But of course without her re-injected stem cells her immune system wouldn’t function.

 

Brooke knows that it will take between 12 and 18 months for the full benefits of treatment to be evident. Still while there is no certainty of the results of a stem cell transplant, generally results do show that the process is successful in halting both the progression and activity of MS. In addition up to 8o percent of patients have reported that 45 to 80 percent of their previous symptoms were reversed.

 

Results of HSCT for MS

When Brooke left for Russia she knew she had dangerous active lesions in her brain; but what neither she nor her doctors realized was that she had ten of them. So while her treatment went according to plan, back in the US she would need follow-up chemo: four doses every three months through May 2014. So at this time of writing, Brooke is still not certain what degree of success her HSCT will have. However by early November 2013 she wrote:

“I’ve fought the battle and I’ve won the war against MS!”

Having had a brain scan – the first since Moscow – she was relieved to find that all the lesions had decreased in size and only one (the largest of all) was continuing to “enhance” – and only very slightly. From being the size of a dime, it is now the size of a “shriveled pea”, and should, she believes, be destroyed by forthcoming chemo treatments.

 

In addition to the chemo, Brooke’s having intense physiotherapy several times a week that is helping her use muscles that she wasn’t able to use previously. Core strengthening, she says, has aided her posture and balance, which is helping her walk better, for longer - and without her stick.

 

Brooke Slick’s Followers

Meanwhile there are people from more than 70 countries who follow Brooke’s blog – many of them hopeful to be able to get the opportunity to have a stem cell transplant. And it is her mission “to tell as many people I can with MS, that there is hope”.

Certainly the more people who are aware of stem cell technology, the more likely it is that treatment will become available in this country.

 

To Your Health!

 

Steven Marshank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Involved in Your Interests: How It Helped Steven Marshank Expand His Career

Steven Marshank first became familiar with the stem cell industry while doing market research for a partner business. As Steven Marshank spent time traveling to attend conferences and talk to industry professionals, Steven Marshank realized exactly the impact that the stem cell industry could have on people, and felt the need to get involved as the industry begins to grow. Steven Marshank used his previous experience in business development and marketing in order to help entrepreneurs in the stem cell industry expand their businesses.

 Steven Marshank encourages others to get involved in learning about and doing more with the things that interest them. So many skills that people pick up over the course of their lives are applicable to a range of fields. People often don’t think about career paths in this way. Steven Marshank always looks to law as a perfect example about the ways people can use their skills to pursue their interests. For everything a person can be interested in, even things like sports and music, lawyers are a large part of the industry. People who are passionate about music and being involved in the music industry might look at getting involved in copyright law. 

Steven Marshank says that being committed to pursuing your passions is all it takes. Steven Marshank says that he is much more fulfilled in his work because he feels like he is making a difference in an important industry. Though it has meant an intense investment of time to continue learning about the stem cell industry, Steven Marshank has enjoyed combining his new knowledge with his experience to help companies in an industry that he is passionate about. 

Steven Marshank would definitely encourage others to take the same path. Steven Marshank says that he can’t think of a more fulfilling role than the one he currently takes in the stem cell industry.

How the Internet has Expanded Business: Steven Marshank Discusses the Good of the Internet

The way the internet has affected commerce has been amazing. Having worked internationally, Steven Marshank enjoys that the internet allows him to get many of the things that he wants from around the world, wherever he may be at any given point. 

Companies like Amazon and eBay connect individuals with sellers across the globe. Steven Marshank says the way in which these types of websites have made international business and trade a day-to-day action is amazing. 

Steven Marshank always encourages his clients and businesses that he works with to be sure that they have a strong internet presence. No matter what the business, the internet makes a company’s products accessible to the largest audience possible, and that opportunity is one that no business should overlook. 

Steven Marshank also stresses to businesses that the ways that internet reviews can affect their business are huge. Steven Marshank says that many of the results provided by search engines when a person searches for a business are for reviews given by past customers. Many people now look through reviews when they are looking at using a new business for a product or services; Steven Marshank stresses to business owners both the positive and negative impact these types of reviews are capable of having in today’s world. 

Steven Marshank says that while the internet expands a business’ available consumer base, it also makes the business’ existing client base more accessible to potential clients. Steven Marshank says that people looking to start their own small businesses involving products can grow their businesses immensely if they can get their business’ name out there. Business owners have always had the ability to ship their products worldwide, but that doesn’t always mean that the client base has always existed worldwide. Through the internet, that is now the case and Steven Marshank encourages business owners to take advantage of that.

Options for Aging Pets: How Your Pet Can Continue Living a Comfortable Life as They Age

In his current position, Steven Marshank works for a company that helps provide stem solutions for dogs suffering from illness, many of them age-based. Through his work, Steven Marshank has picked up some tips for pet owners to be aware of when they are taking care of pets that may be getting older. 

Behavior Matters

Steven Marshank thinks that for many dogs owners, their dogs are like people; most would say this is evident in their personality. Dogs aren’t likely to undergo a drastic change of personality for no reason. A sudden change in your dog’s personality is probably one of the top signs that you should consider a trip to the vet. If your friendly, quiet dog suddenly becomes loud and territorial, it may be because failing eyesight or sense of smell is keeping him or her from being as familiar with their environment as they once were.

Know Your Breed

Steven Marshank says that his research and discussion has also taught him that purebred dogs often suffer from similar types of problems as they grow older. Some breeds are prone to issues like joint problems, while other breeds may regularly suffer from heart or other internal issues as they age. 

If you know anything about your dog’s breed, do a little research to see what types of problems your dog is most likely to develop as they age. Knowing what to look for can help catch a serious problem early, and keep your pet out of pain. 

Be Observant

Steven Marshank says that one of the top reasons that people begin looking for options to help their aging dog is because they begin to notice a problem. Steven Marshank has noticed that changes in appetite or the beginning of a limp can be indicators of something amiss.

Steven Marshank says that for any issue, catching it early is the best way to get your dog the treatment they need, whether that be surgery, stem cell products, or another alternative.

Marketing: Why Steven Marshank Says Good Products Don’t Always Sell Themselves

People often say that good products sell themselves. Steven Marshank says the problem with that logic is that it takes someone seeing a product in action in order for him or her to buy it. Then, a business has to depend on its customers to be pleased enough with the product that it offers for them to do its marketing for it. 

Steven Marshank says that marketing has become more important than ever, with the way that technology has expanded the markets available to a business. Steven Marshank says that while word of mouth can get a business far in a small town, that getting a business’ name and product out to the public is important for continued growth. 

Steven Marshank says that for businesses that are just starting out, marketing is extremely important to getting people in the door initially and for making their presence, products, and services known. While Steven Marshank doesn’t want people to feel that product quality is less important than marketing, the two paired together is the way that business owners find themselves most successful. 

With the internet bring business owners to consumers across the world, a good marketing strategy is essential. With people being flooded with a number of options for products, making sure that you stand out among the crowd is essential to the success of any business. While having a good marketing campaign is key, the internet also can make good products and services a key part of your work advertising your business. 

The internet is full of countless sites for customer reviews and ratings. Steven Marshank says that it is important to ensure that people are saying good things about you, getting customers in the door is great, and having them return again is the best. Steven Marshank says that one of the most important things that business owners can do is to make a product that sells itself, so to speak, and then go to work on getting it sold.

The Importance of Small Business: Steven Marshank Talks about How Entrepreneurship Helps

Steven Marshank believes that small business is extremely important to our world. Steven Marshank reminds people of the entrepreneurs who have started companies that have revolutionized our world over the last several decades. Steven Marshank encourages those looking at opening a small business to think carefully, and develop a good business plan, but then to try it out.

While your idea might not be the world’s most revolutionary one, Steven Marshank says that you’re doing great things for the economy where you live. Steven Marshank says that the opportunities for small business owners are immense. People live in a world where technology helps bring businesses and individuals together in a way that has never been available before.

Steven Marshank is passionate about small business. That is why Steven Marshank has spent his career working to help entrepreneurs achieve their business goals. Steven Marshank has been working with entrepreneurs in the international market for the past 30 years. Steven Marshank has great respect for small business owners and has formed some great relationships with entrepreneurs over the years.

Steven Marshank has great respect for what small business owners take on. Steven Marshank has spent most of his life working with entrepreneurs, and the commitment that starting a business takes is one that always amazing him. Seeing people able to rise to that challenge is one of the things that Steven Marshank enjoys most about his career in consulting.

Small businesses can range from services like dance classes to bigger places like grocery stores. Steven Marshank always challenges people to go around the places where they live and look for small business, whether they be restaurants or plumbers or clothing stores. Steven Marshank says that people will be amazed if they take the time to really look at the number of small businesses around them on a daily basis.

Why Asking for Help Can Be the Best Decision: Steven Marshank Discusses What He Has Learned Consulting

As a consultant, Steven Marshank understands how important it can be to ask for help when it’s needed. While Steven Marshank’s work steers him towards businesses in need of help, Steven Marshank encourages individuals to take the same mindset. Steven Marshank understands that no one knows it all. People have experience in a range of situations, and Steven Marshank uses his to help those who might be treading in unfamiliar territory. 

While failure can be a character building experience, Steven Marshank also reminds people that failing when help is available is unnecessary. Steven Marshank reminds people that no one person has all the knowledge or experience to succeed at every endeavor. This is true for entrepreneurs, but also for anyone else as well. 

Steven Marshank says that asking for help doesn’t just help businesses and people in the moment, but also allows them to learn as well. Steven Marshank says that instead of having to learn from making mistakes, by asking for help, you can learn without having to make the original mistake. Steven Marshank says that he is proud of the work that he can do with entrepreneurs to help them keep from making the mistakes that cause many small businesses to fail in their first years.

Steven Marshank encourages people to ask for help. For every situation that they might need help in, there is also an opportunity for them to offer it. People should be open to learning without having to make mistakes, and to take what they can from the experience of others. 

Steven Marshank encourages people to both ask for and offer help to others. Living in the most cooperative world is something that can be extremely beneficial to us all. Steven Marshank makes his passion for helping others his career, and works toward that every single day.

Education: How Steven Marshank Says It Shows Dedication

For Steven Marshank, education shows a person’s dedication to their field, as well as themselves. Steven Marshank knows firsthand the difference that education can make in a range of endeavors. Steven Marshank in addition to the schooling prior to the start of his career, also saw fit to pursue his passion for gemology and invest the money and time needed to become certified as a Graduate Gemologist. For Steven Marshank, education in any way is considered similarly. 

Steven Marshank says that people often pursue post-graduate degrees with their business and career in mind. For Steven Marshank, this shows dedication to a field, as people invest years of their lives and thousands of dollars in the pursuit of graduate and doctoral degrees.

Steven Marshank says that throughout the working world, education is a respected sign of a person’s ability and dedication to performance. Steven Marshank says that continuing education is not only beneficial because of the degree that it awards, but it also shows that a person has the ability to learn and apply their knowledge. Both of these skills are vital in any job, and as Steven Marshank knows from the industry he works in, are vital to progress. 

Steven Marshank encourages people to pursue knowledge. Professionals often judge knowledge so strongly because it is in the nature of people to learn more about the things that interest them. While a Master’s degree is a lot different from a Google search, in many fields professionals have to be ready to learn and apply changes to processes and rules. Steven Marshank believes along with many professionals, that pursuing your education in a specific field shows not only a present dedication, but also the dedication required to keep learning throughout your career. Steven Marshank knows how vital that dedication is to our society.

What to Look for in a Jeweler: Tips from Steven Marshank

As a Graduate Gemologist, Steven Marshank knows the commitment and education that those who are truly passionate about the arts have the ability to undertake. Though the achievement means a great commitment both of time and monetarily, Steven Marshank knows that for him it was well worth it. Steven Marshank has realized that people are not often well-versed in what they should be looking for when consulting others about gems. Steven Marshank wishes to share his knowledge with others to help them find the best gem professionals. 

The Gemological Institute of America is the authority on gem research and education in the United States. It is this institute that awards the certificate for Graduate Gemologists. There are eight certificates that a Graduate Gemologist must pass in addition to an exam, in order to receive their certificate. 

A certificate is awarded upon the completion of each course, as well as the lab courses. The classes include: Diamond Essentials, Diamonds & Diamond Grading, Colored Stone Essentials, Colored Stones, and Gem Identification. While the lab courses required for the certification are: the Diamond Grading Lab, the Colored Stone Grading Lab, and the Gem Identification Lab.

The courses are offered at the Gemological Institute of America’s two campuses, as well as through distance learning. Though the lab classes are only able to be taken on one of the two campuses, located in New York, New York and Carlsbad, California. 

With the knowledge that Steven Marshank attained from his own study for his certification as a Graduate Gemologist, Steven Marshank knows that the education is rigorous, and that anyone who has achieved the accomplishment is one of the most knowledgeable gem professionals that a consumer has the opportunity to consult. Steven Marshank encourages gem consumers to seek out these professionals, so that they will know that their purchases or appraisals are being done by the best in the field.

Entrepreneurship: Steven Marshank Discusses What He Has Learned

Steven Marshank knows firsthand the importance of entrepreneurship to our society and to his own career. Steven Marshank says that often people don’t realize the good that entrepreneurs do for our society. While people don’t often think about it, large companies like Dell, Microsoft, and Starbucks started from one person’s desire to open a business in a market that they believed would reach an untapped market.

For Steven Marshank, working with entrepreneurs often means lending his business experience to those working to develop a business plan, or develop better marketing techniques for their products. In a society that relies heavily on the internet and technology, Steven Marshank has seen how much easier it is for small business owners to reach a large audience. Instead of being tied to a small town where they have their location, small business owners now have the opportunity to market to and serve others across the globe. 

Steven Marshank is mainly focused on business development from an organizational development perspective largely informed by integral theory, which can include specific training and introduction to the necessary leadership skills required in order for these organizations to thrive. Steven Marshank knows that opening a small business is a large step for anyone, and that leadership can be one of the biggest factors to whether a small business is successful or not. He also encourages people to think seriously about the commitment that it requires. Steven Marshank says that he’s seen people who were prepared as far as a business plan, but were quite unprepared for the initial investment of time before returns are seen.

Steven Marshank says that the greatest thing about the market is that there is always room for more competition in the market. Steven Marshank is always encouraging others to get involved. Steven Marshank has seen the ways in which the ideas of small business owners have revolutionized the market over the past several decades.

Currently Steven Marshank is involved in working in a market about which he is passionate. Steven Marshank sees great things coming from the stem cell industry as time goes on and he is working diligently to help business owners in the growing industry establish themselves and their businesses as the industry continues to grow.

Stem Cell Consultants: Steven Marshank

Steven Marshank has been in the business of being an entrepreneur for the last 40 years. Steven Marshank is always on the look out for new innovations and promising businesses that are worthy of his time and investments. Steven Marshank has had many successful businesses built up from a solid, new idea, and his funding.  His new business venture that he launched in the fall of 2012 is a business called Stem Cells Consulting. Steven Marshank has great plans for the future of his new company. Knowing that stem cells are able to cure and hinder the spread of so many diseases, Steven Marshank is very confident in investing in this progressive medical industry. 

Steven Marshank launched Stem Cells Consulting in the fall of 2012. Before launching this company, Steven Marshank became a joint venture with Beike Biotechnology, which was the world’s leading supplier of stem cells to hospitals for medical therapy. Seeing as he was working in the stem cell field before, Steven Marshank is confident in the success that Stem Cells Consulting will bring. During the past five years, Steven Marshank has toured the globe attending important stem cell conferences, one of them being the World Stem Cell Summit. 

Stem Cells Consulting has a hand in many different pots in the stem cell arena. Steven Marshank and his company have invested in treatments for a wide variety of diseases, cosmetics, and even anti-aging medicine. Steven Marshank has no doubt that the treatment of stem cells is going to become a widely used business practice in the near future. With so many ways to use stem cells in order to help people out, Steven Marshank and Stem Cell Consultants are leading the charge on making stem cells a widely practiced business, and want you to be a part of their team.

Steven Marshank and Working in the Stem Cell Field

Steven Marshank has worked as an entrepreneur with a number of businesses as Marshank Consulting over the course of the past 40 years. Being a successful entrepreneur for so long, Steven Marshank has been involved in many different industries. Some of the industries that Steven Marshank has been a part of are remodeling homes, import businesses, managing bands, and even trading and brokering metals. Steven Marshank has now taken a new venture into the new and futuristic business of stem cells. Steven Marshank has done extensive research and invested time into the business of stem cells, and plans on doing amazing new things in this field. 

Steven Marshank launched Stem Cells Consulting in the fall of 2012. Stem Cells Consulting delivers a report that contains actionable intelligence on which others can make decisions that enhance the value of their business endeavors. Steven Marshank believes that if you are considering a major initiative in the stem cell world at all, Stem Cells Consulting is for you. With a wealth of business contacts, Steven Marshank and his company will specifically prepare reports for you that will help you understand the risks and potential rewards. 

Steven Marshank is also perfectly positioned to provide stem cell innovators the ability to utilize international accredited hospitals for their clinical trials at a vastly reduced rate in an FDA compliant environment.

Steven Marshank has had a long line of successes, being an entrepreneur in many different businesses and lines of work. Steven Marshank looks to make Stems Cells Consulting another one of his wildly successful and lucrative companies. All of the client relationships are kept completely confidential with Steven Marshank and Stem Cells Consulting. Steven Marshank is looking forward to growing this industry that has so much potential for changing lives all around the world, and looks forward to working with your business.