Why We Need To Be Careful Before We Declare Someone’s Life Not Worth Living

Yesterday the Naperville Sun posted an article about a quadriplegic who is on the road to being able to walk.  Bill Orr was injured in a motorcycle accident in 1986.  He has been a quadriplegic since the accident. 

According to the article:

“In August, Orr underwent what many believe is a first of its kind stem cell procedure in Naples, Fla. — using bone marrow from his hip that doctors hope will rejuvenate the dead spine cells.”

Mr. Orr’s progress is impressive.  The article reports:

“Orr had known the appointment would be positive. That’s because it now hurts to comb his hair, the result of “more sensation in my body.” Plus, he can now do 200 sit-ups and pushups, as well as 20 leg squats in the therapy pool at Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

“And — here’s the really good sign — he does so without any muscle spasms.”

Please note–this is not embryonic stem cells–these are cells from Mr. Orr’s own body–there is less chance of rejection, and there are no ethical questions regarding unborn embryos.

The article points out that this is not the result of a government program–this was a private effort:

“The enthusiasm is bigger than Bill Orr, however. Dr. Grekos believes stem cell therapy has the potential to revolutionize medicine, but it’s not going to happen through the FDA or pharmaceutical companies. “It’s going to take a grass-roots movement,” he said.

“Orr wants to be part of that movement, as well. He and his friends are working on a fundraiser — for more information on the Harley Davidson motorcycle that will be raffled off, go to William Orr’s Facebook page — to help others who could benefit from the therapy.”

I wish Mr. Orr the best in his recovery.  May he be able to do everything he could do before the accident in the very near future.  He reminds us never to give up–you don’t know what is waiting for you around the next corner.

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