YORK, Pa. (AP) - A York County soldier left partially paralyzed when he was shot in Afghanistan nearly two years ago is banking on stem cells to help him regain movement. <\/p>\n
Matthew Hanes, 22, of Manchester Township will head to China in April to undergo surgery to repair part of his damaged spinal cord. <\/p>\n
Doctors essentially will use minor surgery and stem cell therapy to build a bridge over two vertebrae that were shattered when Hanes was shot. <\/p>\n
At the minimum Ill get at least some feeling back where I dont have it in certain places, but I could get everything back if it goes well, Hanes said. <\/p>\n
U.S. Army Cpl. Hanes was shot while on patrol in Afghanistan in June 2012. He was left with limited use of his upper body and no use of his lower extremities. <\/p>\n
RESEARCH: Soon after he returned to the U.S., Hanes began researching stem cell therapy as possible treatment. <\/p>\n
Thats how he found Puhua International Hospital in Beijing, where he will fly on April 1 for the treatment. Hes slated to return stateside later that month. <\/p>\n
Its coming up slowly now that I know its on, Hanes said. <\/p>\n
During his research, Hanes said he found the U.S. is so far behind on stem cell research compared to some countries in Asia, such as China, and Europe. <\/p>\n
For years, the federal government imposed tight restrictions on stem cell research until it was loosened in 2009 by President Barrack Obama. <\/p>\n
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Wounded Pa. soldier seeks Chinese stem cell cure<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" YORK, Pa. (AP) - A York County soldier left partially paralyzed when he was shot in Afghanistan nearly two years ago is banking on stem cells to help him regain movement. Continue reading