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A link to view Hilton on News Channel 3 - video in top, right corner
Our views are still uncertain about the stem cell policy that was approved by Obama. We do still plan to use cord blood stem cells over embryonic, and hopefully, the policy will open a door for us to do that in the U.S. We saved Blakley's cord blood but there is no institute that uses sibling cord blood unless it is a life threatening situation. We are definitely pro-life due to our beautiful children. We hope there will only be positive effects from this.
Hilton is now a big brother! Our daughter Blakley Elizabeth was born the day after Hilton's 2nd birthday! This website is about the both of them, but is also for The Hope for Hilton Fund. Enjoy and thank you so much for visiting!
Hope for Hilton Fund
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3
Hilton James Vogelmeier was seven months old when he was diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) refers to the optic nerve being underdeveloped. Hilton's optic nerves are severely underdeveloped resulting in his vision only being light perception in a dark room. There is no known cause of ONH, but in Hilton's case it may have been due to a lack of oxygen to his optic nerve because he had a "true knot" in his umbilical cord. ONH is neither progressive, nor inherited, and until now, nothing could be done. About ONH While doing research, we discovered the Beike Biotech Company and their website www.stemcellschina.com. They have developed a treatment for many conditions, along with ONH. Hopefully soon, we will travel to the
Hangzhou
Hospital in
Hangzhou City, China, to obtain umbilical stem cell transfusions to help restore his optic nerves. Over twenty children with ONH have undergone this treatment and had success! We would like to go within the next 6 months but are not able to confirm a date until we have the necessary funds. Unfortunately, there are no medical facilities within the United States that offer this type of treatment, but if they come available before the money is raised we may be able to stay in the US! Umbilical stem cells are pro-life and not controversial, unlike embryonic stem cells (newscientist.com). The stem cells used in the transfusions are from a healthy, live birth. The treatment includes 4-6 umbilical stem cell injections which consist of 10-15 million stem cells per injection over a period of one month. The treatment will cost over $25,000. He will also need hyperbaric oxygen treatments five days a week for many months upon his return. The cost of the hyperbaric oxygen treatments will cost around $20,000. We are hoping to raise $60,000, that will be needed for the treatment, aftercare and travel expenses. Insurance does not cover any of the expenses. We hope God will bless Hilton with the gift of sight and make our dreams a reality. Any donation, large or small, money or not, will be helpful and greatly appreciated, but most of all please keep us in your prayers! All donations will be recognized, unless otherwise noted.
There have not been any fund raisers or much news about our progress recently but we are still wanting to go to China and have fund raisers. We understand this is not the best time to have fundraisers and since stem cell research is constantly advancing we are not going to rush our trip (to an extent). We do plan to take some action soon though! We just want to make a cautious and wise decision for Hilton! Thanks for your support and care!
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Contact Information 
