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 Charlestown boy's sight improves after stem cell treatment 

Charlestown boy's sight improves after stem cell treatment

18 May, 2010 11:44 AM
A CHARLESTOWN boy is showing marked signs of improvement in sight after his first round of stem cell treatment.

Connor Wink, 11, and his mother Tracey recently returned from China where he received a round of injections, which are not available in Australia.

The treatment appears to have had dramatic results.

Connor has gained light perception, a sign the treatment is working.

Born blind, he also suffers nystagmus, a condition which means Connor has poor muscle control causing his eyes to move frequently.

"That has slowed right down so it's certainly a big plus," Mrs Wink said.

Connor is the second Hunter child to undergo stem cell treatment in China.

Holly Arvidson, 12, of Denman, is having a second round of the procedure in a bid to restore her sight.

For the past 12 months, The Herald has been following the progress of Holly, who is in China with her family for the treatment which involves stem cell injections, acupuncture and bone marrow cultivation.

The treatment is only available in a handful of hospitals worldwide. It has an 80 per cent success rate but since Holly's first round her condition has not changed.

Mrs Wink said she is praying Holly receives a positive result this time.

"Connor was lucky and we have seen improvements. We were sitting in front of a fire at the weekend and he could tell when someone was putting logs on it," she said.

The Charlestown community and Connor's school, Hillsborough Public, helped raise money for the China trip.

"We still have enough money to travel for Connor's second round of treatment thanks to those earlier fund-raising efforts which Connor was a big part of, raising $6000 busking."

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
Just think, if we listened to the churches stem cell treatment would be outlawed.
Posted by Den Isles, 18/05/2010 9:15:52 AM, on The Herald
And this is ONE of the many reasons I will not vote for Abbot, as he allowed his religious views to get in the way to vote against stem cell research. This story is one reason why Australia needs to have stem cell research.
Posted by N/Flyer, 18/05/2010 10:27:21 AM, on The Herald
Embryonic stem cells or Adult stem cells? The media should try to be honest about the reporting of these treatments because there is a huge ethical difference between the two and they should not be lumped together.
Posted by Steve, 18/05/2010 1:43:01 PM, on The Herald
N/Flyer, Rudd has the power to change our laws and won't allow stem cell research either.
Posted by Concerned Citizen, 18/05/2010 1:56:46 PM, on The Herald
We can only hope Abbott wins the next election and bans this blasphemous,sinfull procedure along with many others.Only then can he truly drag Australia back to the pure,consevative 50's where he knows we belong.
Posted by Peeledseal, 18/05/2010 2:27:29 PM, on The Herald
Both comments by Den Isles and N/Flyer misrepresent the truth about stem cells. People who have ethical concerns with the wilful destruction of human embryos have no such concern with the use of adult stem cells. Adult stem cell research is coming on in leaps and bounds and because it involves taking your own adult stem cells for your own treatment they are genetically a perfect fit for a patient. I congratulate Tony Abbott for the stance he took on embryonic stem cells.
Posted by Steve, 18/05/2010 2:37:30 PM, on The Herald
Good on ya Connor & Tracey, we saw him busking at Charlestown Sqr and wished him all the best, great to see some positive results happening.
Posted by Michael, 18/05/2010 2:45:39 PM, on The Herald
I understand Connor is a very talented young musician who is also a legend on the vacuum cleaner.Hopefully the improvement in Connor's sight continues , his courage and ability is inspirational to many. All the best to Connor and his family and to you too Holly.
Posted by chaff and oats, 18/05/2010 3:58:57 PM, on The Herald
"Tthe preparation of embryonic stem cells from a living embryo requires the destruction of the embryo, which the Church teaches is a gravely immoral act." This is from a Catholic church website. I agree there is no opposition to adult stem cell research from the church. But I understand the treatment being given in China is embryonic - if not, why is it not available here in Australia.?
Posted by Den Isles, 18/05/2010 4:22:50 PM, on The Herald
Peeledseal u have to be kidden me...!!! Let us hope that for unforseen reasons you require stem cell to improve your life "god forbid' lengthen your life!!! Narrow mindism is a sin!! Maybe u should go back and live in your closet rather then the 50"s........!!! Good luck Connor n family I hope it is as bright as u!!!!!!!
Posted by Reader, 18/05/2010 4:52:02 PM, on The Herald
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IMPROVEMENT: Connor Wink, 11, and his mother Tracey.
IMPROVEMENT: Connor Wink, 11, and his mother Tracey.

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