Alex Petric is hoping his part in an international clinical trial at the Foothills Hospital will assist researchers in the development of a treatment for spinal cord injuries.
Alex, a paramedic from Winnipeg, was paralyzed during a winter holiday in Panama with his girlfriend. The 28-year-old dove headfirst into what he believed to be deep water.
“Immediately I felt paralyzed, right when I came up,” recollects Alex. “You just know you’re in a lot of trouble. You’re trying your hardest to move your legs and it’s not happening.”
Ten months after the accident, 29-year-old Alex is taking part in a medical trial to determine the safety of stem cell therapy on patients with spinal cord injuries.
While the trial, conducted by researchers from the University of Calgary, focuses on safety, the ultimate goal is to develop a cure for spinal cord injuries which could require multiple therapies.
The medical team, led by Dr. Steve Casha, will make a small incision in order to view Alex’s injury. Once the precise location of the injury has been determined, then stem cells are injected above and below to potentially recreate the lost tissue.
“The approach is regeneration,” explains Dr. Casha, “to reverse the damage that has been done.”
Researchers and Alex are realistic in their expectations of the treatment despite the fact two previous patients in the study have regained sensation.
“I just feel like I am part of something that could give people hope, including myself,” said Alex. “We don't know what will happen with this surgery. They're trying to fix us, basically trying to make us normal again.”
The study requires additional patients. Anyone in North America who is interested in participating in the trial is asked to contact the University of Calgary (403-944-4334) or the University of Toronto (403-944-4334)
With files from CTV's Karen Owen
