REASON FOR TREATMENT:
Richard knew more about the treatment in Tiantan Puhua hospital than most people-one of his close friends is Penny Thomas, the first Parkinson's patient to undergo hRPE stem cell treatment via a stereotactic direct implantation. When Richard was looking for treatment options outside his native country, Penny has helped him gather information about all the stem cell centers that have opened since her treatment in Beijing Tiantan Puhua hospital.
Richard chose Tiantan Puhua hospital, and is hoping that stem cell treatment will prove to be as efficient for him as it proved to be for his friend.
BEGINNING OF TREATMENT: March 23, 2009
TREATMENT: Implantation of hRPE (human Retinal Pigment Epithelial) stem cells administered via direct brain injection (minimally invasive stereotactic surgery)+an additional neural stem cells injection was administered via lumbar puncture.
CONDITION BEFORE THE TREATMENT
See Videos: interview before.wmv, therapy before.wmv
Richard was always involved in his children's lives. Both his children being athletes meant that Richard would often attend their games. One of the main symptoms of Richard's Parkinsons disease is that he would start tremble, and the stress from the games would increase his trembling. Due to his inability to control these tremors, Richard had to give up his work, and could no longer drive.
For the first two years of the disease, Richard's symptoms were fairly consistent with mainly tremors in the right hand and a limp in the right leg. In the last two months before coming for treatment the tremors in the right hand have increased significantly and have moved on to Richards lower extremities as well.
Richard began experiencing slower movements on his right side and some loss of balance. Due to constant tremors, Richard has also lost a lot of weight, he has lost his appetite, and could not sleep well, turning to sleeping pills in order to sleep.
AFTER THE TREATMENT:
See Videos: interview_after.wmv, therapy after.wmv
In October 2009 Richard has decided to come for stem cell treatment in Tiantan Puhua hospital. He was first accompanied by his close friend, Penny Thomas, and later joined by his family.
Throughout the treatment Richard was able to experience a few minor changes in his condition. Richard's voice has become clearer, his energy levels have increased, and he was feeling more at ease.
Since Richard condition has been greatly affected by his anxiety levels, feeling more relaxed has helped easing some of his symptoms.
As Richard as preparing to leave Tiantan Puhua hospital, he said that he is looking forward to the healing process that stem cells will enable him to partake. He is looking forward to seeing his symptoms ease and bettering his quality of life. | 
