April is Parkinson’s awareness month. It’s the devastating disease affecting millions of Americans – for which there is no real cure.
KRON4 caught up with an East Bay man who’s made the trek to Mexico for experimental stem cell treatment and a chance at life.
We first did this story a year ago, former Contra Costa Sheriff Deputy John Clark and his family – desperate to reverse the ravages of Parkinson’s disease.
He can barely speak and shakes when he walks.
After unsuccessful medical treatments for his progressing Parkinson’s, the Clark family packed up and left their home in Concord – for Ensenada, Mexico, where John Clark is undergoing alternative treatments.
The family says it’s a long shot, but it may be the only shot they have.
One of the most promising treatments is stem cell therapy – creating cells to replace the brain’s dopamine-producing cells that have been lost to Parkinson’s.
It’s experimental and John Clark knows he’s taking a risk.
Success is measured in micro-steps but they’re still documenting John’s journey as he goes, one small step at a time.
You can learn more about John Clark’s journey on his website here.