Hannah Barber

We are parents who have found new hope for our daughter thanks to Dallas Hextell's inspirational story. If it weren't for the TV coverage of Dallas' amazing response to the Duke University clinical trial of stem cell infusions for infants suffering from Cerebral Palsy, we would never have learned of this opportunity to potentially address our daughter's severe challenges.

Hannah Barber was born on October 1st, 2005 at the Yokosuka Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. She had a normal gestation and birth with the exception of her umbilical cord being tightly wrapped around her neck. This was discovered two weeks prior to birth. No other abnormalities were noticed and she was not in distress.

Since birth, Hannah has suffered from severe epilepsy. She started having massive seizures immediately after birth. After two months in intensive care, her seizures were stopped with a combination of anti-seizure medications. Even though her seizures are controlled, she has had periodic breakthrough seizures.

Hannah has significant mental and physical developmental delays. At the age of one, she was diagnosed with infantile cerebral palsy. She cannot sit, play, eat, or drink on her own. She cannot speak. She can laugh and cry. She makes eye contact with others and can follow sounds. She recognizes familiar people, sounds, music, toys, and television shows. Hannah is also enrolled in an early intervention class provided by a local public school to assist in her development. She requires extensive assistance from family, nurses, and therapists to assist in her well being. She requires assistance with all aspects of daily life. It is a full time job.

At birth, Hannah's blood was saved from her umbilical cord. This was stored for the possible use of her stem cells which are contained in the cord blood. We did not know she would have any problems before her birth. We decided to save her cord blood because we recognized the value of stem cells.

In late 2007, our family moved from Yokosuka, Japan to San Diego, California. Upon arrival, we discovered, via news coverage of Dallas, that a doctor at Duke University Medical Center was conducting a trial on the use of stem cells to treat Cerebral Palsy. We immediately contacted the doctor. The major requirement was that Hannah had to have her own cord blood in order to receive a stem cell infusion. If a patient used their own stem cells from their own cord blood, their body would not reject the treatment like is the case commonly in transplants from other persons. Since the procedure would not cause any harm, and the benefits could be so great, we decided to participate in the trial.

Hannah received her stem cell infusion at Duke University Medical Center on July 8th, 2008. The procedure went according to plan and we were out of the hospital the same day.

Since receiving the stem cell infusion, we have been closely monitoring Hannah for improvements resulting from the infusion. Hannah now seems to be more aware and connected. She also seems to have better motor coordination. Her improvements are expected to take place over a long period. We are constantly in contact with Hannah's doctors, therapists, school teachers, and Duke University to follow up and monitor her progress.

Most insurance companies will not pay for the stem cell infusion because it is considered experimental. Our financial burden is great and will continue to be a concern. Hannah will always need specialized care and equipment throughout life and these are not always covered by insurance.

The Dallas Hextell Foundation has given us hope. It has provided us with the opportunity to share our story and to connect with others who may be in need or just gathering information. It is very important to us that we be able to pass along to others the importance of making the decision to save your child's cord blood. The Dallas Hextell Foundation has also given us a way to seek help ourselves. We are very blessed to be able to provide Hannah with a high level of care. It is our wish that we can always continue to do so. We are grateful to the Dallas Hextell Foundation for their support during this process that is so costly both emotionally and financially.

The Barber Family: Jeremie, Machiko, Ken, and Hannah.