Helping Celeste Gain Independence Through Epidural Stimulation and Stem Cell Therapy
A person’s identity is often shaped by the activities and passions that define their daily life. For Celeste Glover, a dynamic and physically active woman, her identity was intricately tied to her love for movement, sports, and the great outdoors. At 50, Celeste had already lived a life richer than many, thriving as a remodeler, gardener, athlete, seamstress, cook, motorcyclist, and a beloved Arizona roller derby community member. She was living her dream, constantly on the move, and embracing every challenge with vigor.
However, in the summer of 2023, everything changed in an instant. While on a motorcycle trip of a lifetime with her husband, Rick, a sudden encounter with an antelope on the road led to a life-altering accident. Celeste swerved to avoid the animal, lost control on gravel, and was thrown from her bike. The accident resulted in a complete T6-T7 spinal cord injury, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.
For many, such a devastating injury might have signaled the end of their physically active life. But not for Celeste. With her indomitable spirit and unwavering hope, she immediately embarked on a journey of recovery. Her spinal cord wasn’t severed, giving her a fighting chance. Celeste threw herself into rehab and physical therapy, quickly regaining some feeling and control over her abdominal muscles, waist, and hips—a remarkable feat that defied the odds.
Yet, Celeste knew that her journey didn’t end there. She began researching advanced treatments and discovered a groundbreaking two-part process that could help her regain even more mobility and independence: spinal cord stimulation and stem cell therapy.
The Power of Spinal Cord Stimulation and Stem Cell Therapy
Spinal cord stimulation involves the surgical implantation of electrodes below the injury site. These electrodes capture electrical impulses from the brain and connect them to the nerve cells below the injury, effectively creating a bridge over the damaged area. With weeks of dedicated physical therapy, the brain learns to use the new device, improving connections and functionality over time.
Complementing this is stem cell therapy, which utilizes donated umbilical cord stem cells to regenerate nerve cells at the injury site. These stem cells have the potential to become nerve cells, supporting the bridge created by spinal cord stimulation and helping restore the crucial connection between the brain and spinal cord.
Together, these therapies offer a promising avenue for recovery—enabling patients to regain voluntary movements below the point of injury, control of bladder and bowels, and even the ability to stand and take assisted steps. While it’s not a cure, the procedure offers life-changing improvements in quality of life and independence.
Why Celeste Needs Your Help
Unfortunately, this innovative procedure is not widely available in the United States. Celeste’s goal is to travel to Verita Neuro’s clinic in Guadalajara, Mexico, where she can undergo complete treatment, including stem cell therapy. The cost for the surgery, including travel, six weeks of physical therapy, and the necessary medical care, amounts to $110,200—a sum not covered by insurance.
Celeste is determined not just to heal herself but to pave the way for others with similar injuries. She’s committed to raising awareness about this cutting-edge procedure and, after her own treatment, plans to help other spinal cord injury survivors access this life-changing surgery.
But to achieve this, Celeste needs your support. Managing her condition is now a full-time job, yet she continues to work tirelessly to raise funds for her surgery. Every contribution brings her one step closer to slaying the dragon of paralysis and reclaiming the active life she once knew.
By donating to Celeste’s cause, you’re not just helping one person—you’re contributing to a movement that could change the lives of countless others. Let’s help Celeste get back on her feet; we can turn hope into reality together.
