dammit Jerry I wish you weren't in this situation
this sucks
if Jerry can get to china to get the treatment to heal the cord injury then I hope you make it happen Nick. I would guess that the medical expense for this treatment is off the charts. I'm sure you're looking into all funding possibilities you can discover. Are there any funds that help in a situation like this?
I got some bad news and some good news.
Jerry's family decided that he is going to have the surgery on his back at the Jacobi because the hospital will lose about 100,000 if Jerry leaves (the family does not know that). They got BS by the hospital to stay there. Got to love the system!
Unfortunately the Jacobi is not known for neurosurgery, by any stretch of the imagination.
Steve Boyle worked his ass off to have Jerry transferred to a team of some of the best neurosurgeons in the world. Well, now he is in the hands of butchers. Let's hope they won't fuck him up too badly.
The good news is that I found a clinic who are willing to perform stem cells treatments on Jerry. I do not think his family is going to allow it but in a few weeks Jerry will be able to make a decision on his own.
Thus far I have contacted clinics in China, Europe, Israel, and Costa Rica.
Costa Rica sounds the best best due to the treatments and the vicinity.
I'll keep you posted about any progress.
Let's all hope Jerry will make it through the surgery tomorrow, he's not going to be in the best hands by any means.
How high are the chances he will be able to walk again after a stem cell treatment?
And what's the ballpark figure for the cost?
I posted the initial projected costs already.
I have no clue about the his chances of walking again. This is not like playing the roulette.
All I can tell you is that with stem cells, his chances are greater, that's all.
I, other scientists, and medicine cannot guarantee anything.
All I know for sure is that stem cells will do better than just prayers.
I have a scientist friend whose opinion I trust implicitly (sorry Nick - I always call on second opinions when I have questions) who provided the following. Like she said, it's not a glowing recommendation, but if it was she or a loved one - she'd do it.
http://www.nature.com/sc/journal/v44.../3101820a.html
http://nnr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/20/1/5
Now, having said all that...we have to remember that Maggot is at step like 3. He needs to get to step 600 before this is even an option, but it doesn't hurt to have the pieces together.
Kid's in a fight for his life right now...in bite-sized pieces.
Keep doing what you're doing Nick. Also look in the mirror and remember that you're a tool. Accept it...and remember that's what a lot of people are gonna see when you ask them for help (Been there). Overcome it and chew on some humility baby - and keep pluggin away - for Maggot.
- Harvey
BASE 1232
BLiNC Team Member
Hey I'm sorry it was in no way meant to be offensive, I'm just the type of person that likes to know the numbers.
I can't find the link to the costs. Could anybody help me out?
Oh and Nick I don't know if you have already seen my PM from a few days ago: I assume you are busy, do you have an e-mail where we can reach you at?
PS: I like your view on prayers...
Chris,
Fuck off! I love you man. You know I'm not good with people...well said.
Yes Jerry is like a step 3 now...why don't we all bet for once if he'll get to step 600?
I bet one buck that he gets to step 600 in two weeks.
Third-hand info (MDs-family-friends) says Jerry's surgery went well. All went as planned. They fused T1 to T6.
Now the real work begins.
This is Maggot's brother in law. Nick, I appreciate what you are trying to do for Jerry but don't say we were "BS'D by the hospital." You have no idea what you are talking about. We spoke to several doctors from OTHER hospitals that we were trying to transfer him to, and EVERY one of them said it is extremely dangerous to move Jerry. So, instead of worrying about if he is going to walk again....try worrying about him losing his life. He doesn't just have a back injury. He has alot more wrong with him. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jerrymaggotpiccola that will tell you everything that is wrong instead of trying to play telephone. Post on all these sites when you know what you are talking about. As far as Jerry being in the hands of "butchers" the butcher you speak of that operated on Jerry is Dr. Tindel who happens to be the Director of the New York Center For Spinal Disorders and who also graduated at the top of his class from UPenn medical school. You are making it sound like our family is a bunch of morons that could care less about what happens to Jerry. You have no idea how hard this has been on all of us.
Last edited by Maggotsbroinlaw; July 21st, 2008 at 11:19 PM.
If I have offended the family, my bad, someone always gets caught in the crossfire. I really do not care much what you guys believe. I am doing this so Jerry could walk again.
Many of his friends and I do not need Jerry to live only because we know he will already, that's the difference between the family and most of his friends.
Family is cool, but please do not underestimate what Jerry and his friends have in common.
As for most MDs being butchers, I stick to my guns. Unlike you, I know the education and training they receive.
Jerry did not get the best medical care at the Jacobi.
If you want to turn this into a friend-family crusade, go right ahead, but ask yourself what is best for Jerry.
I hope that what you are doing truley does help Jerry. Thank youasshole
Reality is the playground for our dreams
As much as you could care less what Jerry's family believes, trust me the feeling is mutual. I am not going to turn this into an internet tough guy session. Anyone can talk crap 1100 miles away hiding behind a computer. As far as Jerry's friends go, I don't underestimate anything.
I have met many of Jerry's friends at the hospital and they are amazing people that have spent countless hours sitting with us. Yet, it is so strange how almost every one of them said that they can't stand you. Gee, I wonder why?
As for most MDs being butchers, and you knowing the education and training they receive? Yeah, I'm sure you do. What medical school did you go to again?
As far as Jerry not getting the best medical care at Jacobi, let me spell it out for you slowly so you can understand....We spoke to several other hospitals, and NO OTHER HOSPITAL ADVISED IT WAS SAFE TO MOVE HIM IN HIS CONDITION. Is that clear enough? We will listen to medical doctors, not you who is some want to be mad scientist.
I am not turning this into a family-friends war, so stop trying to create drama. What you are doing for Jerry is admirable and thoughtful. Just don't come on here attacking his family like we could care less what happens to him. There is much more wrong with him then a back injury.
I'm done here.
Maggotsbroinlaw, I'll be seeing you tomorrow, my wife and I are flying there.
I'll be at Jerry's probably at around 8:00PM, traffic permitting.
Here is my number
(570) 332 8964
Mick,
It's been a good ride! Thanks bro...I mean it.
You sure do know how to fuck up a good thing.Originally Posted by nicknitro71
You not only offended his family but you've also offended his friends too. It is obvious that you don't care what anybody believes. You don't care what the doctors say (including the ones at Columbia), what the family says, or what his friends say. You just care about you. You clearly have control issues and think you call the shots. Now, all these people donated money to you and not his family. Jerry and his family has needs now too. That's right, you don't care. You can use this money to further your personal agenda; Stem Cells. And, just what do you gain by coordinating this stem cell project? Professional recognition? What..? So, ask yourself your own words Nick, "What's best for Jerry"? NOT What's best for Nick.
You claim to know all about Jerry's condition when it is overly obvious that you haven't even a clue. The family and friends that have been by his side since this happened know he is in a fight for his life. But, you wouldn't know that- would you? No. You wouldn't. Cause you aren't here. Instead, you're playing a doctor on the internet. Ridiculing and belittling the family's desions. Wasn't it you who posted about positive thoughts and vibes and sticking 'em up your ass cause that's not gonna make him walk again? Well, here's reality check for ya Nick; Jerry's hanging on to life by a thread. Maybe, if you haven't pissed off all his family and friends completely, you will see for yourself. You have caused unnecessary stress and drama to his loved ones life during a very difficult time. If you think that is in Jerry's best interest, you are terribly mistaken. Look at the entire picture and quit being so selfish.
Again, it is you who is underestimating what Jerry, his family, and friends have in common. Everyone that's actually here is working together. Everybody is thinking about Jerry. Nobody here has an alterior motive.
You can bash his medical care and the doctors all you want. Again, you are not here and have not spoken directly to anybody. You opinion is grossly unimformed. In case it still wasn't clear enough for you: No doctor, worth their salt, would risk moving him. Including the doctors at Columbia Presbyterian. You are spreading false information. Just because you played with a lab rat once, does not make you an expert. Try practicing medicine with human patients before declaring unfounded accusations.
News flash, Nick: You started this unnecessary crusade. And, it's not a friends- family crusade. It's a friends and family- Nick crusade. Thanks to you.
Now, I'm looking out for Jerry's best interest. Don't fuck with his family! Stop causing undue stress and drama to the people that have been/are there for Jerry all day, every day. (Holly & Ron- like I said, my office is across the street. Give me a shout is you have a problem.)
And quit hiding behind the "I'm doing this for Jerry" line you keep repeating. Everyone here is doing just that. You are the one with a hidden agenda-and the money.
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