When Joshua Clark of Wales was six months-old, he was diagnosed with optic nerve hypoplasia, a congenital
condition that, in Joshua’s case, had caused total blindness. Doctors said
there was no way to treat the condition.
But his parents, Joanna and Anthony, did some research and
found out about a cutting-edge treatment for ONH using umbilical cord stem cells, which is currently only performed in China.
They contacted people who had had the treatment, as well as doctors who were
familiar with it, and ultimately decided it offered some hope of at least partially restoring Joshua's sight.
In response to the Clarks' fundraising campaign, their entire community has pitched in to help pay for the
expensive treatment. A little boy even mailed the Clarks two pounds out of his pocket money,
along with a photo of him and his sister.
Joshua’s parents are not hoping for a miracle cure. Rather,
they believe the treatment will be well worth it if Joshua comes away with the ability
to see lights, shapes, and colors.
According to a video (which I can’t post, but you can watch
it here), Joshua is
an adorable, calm 16-month-old who loves to listen to music. We have our fingers
crossed for a successful outcome to the treatment!
Photo: stemcell.taragana.net
