-
Mar 25, 2008 9:00 pm US/Eastern
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Bucks Co. Boy Continues Disease Fighting Journey
BUCKS COUNTY (CBS 3) ―
A Bucks
County family is on a
journey to find a medical miracle to save their 5-year-old son.
Curtis Anthony was diagnosed with a rare neurological
disease last April called, 'Batten Disease.'
"His body is missing an enzyme which prevents toxic build up
in the brain and they slowly sire," said his mother, Donna Kapper.
In just months, Curtis lost the ability to eat, walk, speak
and see. With few options and through donations, the family raised $50,000,
which was enough to send Curtis to China for special treatment.
In China, Curtis received injections from stem cells to slow
the disease, however this practice is only in clinical trials in the United States.
"Even his doctor said it's crazy that you have to go all the
way to China
to get a treatment that could be developed here in the States," said Donna.
Doctors familiar with the disease say there is no other
option to help cure the disease at this time.
"The treatment we have to arrest the disease is zero," said
Dr. Stewart Barbara of Valley Pediatrics.
After two months of treatment, Curtis is back home and able
to go to school. His mother said she saw improvement after the first injection.
"He was looking around the room and we got him to say a word"
said Donna.
Doctors say it will take at least five months to see progress from the injections.
"If it's going to slow it down, if the child can benefit,
it's way to early to say that," said Dr. Barbara.
If the treatment is successful Curtis, will have to return to
China
two more times, which will cost the family around $100,000.
To find out how you can make a donation go to curtisanthonyshope.org.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)