Matthew & Me

Matthew is 22 years old, just a few years younger than I am. His diagnoses is Septo Optic Dysplasia (SOD). It is slightly different than ONH because it affects the Septum Pellucidum, actually that part of the brain is absent if you have SOD, but basically it seems that it is a sister disease to ONH. I saw this video of Matthew and his parents today and wanted it on my blog. We are in the process of making a blog for the purpose of things like this and my journey to China, but for now I'll put these things on my personal blog. I can't pass them up. I related to Matthew so much from what he and his parents said in this video. I was also very excited because there are a lot of babies and young children who go to China but there are fewer people in their 20's like Matthew and I. It is hopeful and exciting to see others closer to your age getting the treatment. Matthew's vision problems mirror my own and we want the same things. The big difference between Matthew and myself is that they knew something was wrong when he was born and told his parents. Nobody told my parents anything and they figured it out on their own when I was 2 or 3. Matthew had an MRI done when he was 4 and he was diagnosed at that age. He had help and special needs all through school. I was just diagnosed a couple months ago. I'm so glad I found Matthew. His story of getting to China is awesome. He's already seen improvements while he is still there. The video is a little lengthy but worth it if you are interested in me and what I'm about to pursue in the near future.

Matt Sims - SOD Stem Cell Patient from Stem Cells China on Vimeo.