Don Ho Recovering From Stem Cell Procedure

[in_cog_ni_to]

Don Ho Recovering From Stem Cell Procedure
By JAYMES SONG, Associated Press Writer
Wed Dec 7, 4:50 AM

HONOLULU - Legendary Hawaiian crooner Don Ho was recovering Tuesday at a hospital in Thailand after undergoing an experimental stem cell procedure on his ailing heart.

Ho, 75, known for his signature tune "Tiny Bubbles," underwent a new treatment that has not been approved in the United States. It involves multiplying stem cells taken from his blood and injecting them into his heart in hopes of strengthening the organ, according to Ed Brown, a close friend.

After the treatment, Ho's vital signs were excellent, but he remained seriously ill and was in the hospital's intensive care unit, Brown said in a telephone interview from his home in Malibu, Calif.

Ho, who has entertained tourists for more than four decades, has suffered from heart problems for about a year and had a pacemaker implanted a few months ago.<snip>

http://www.comcast.net/entertainment/index.jsp?cat=ENTERTAINMENT&fn=/2005/12/07/278499.html

[eppur_se_muova]

1. A celebrity face for stem cell research!

Hope he speaks up about the need to leave his country to have a potentially lifesaving procedure.

[in_cog_ni_to]

2. Wow...this thread came up from the deep dark bowels

of DU. As you can see, there was MUCH INTEREST in this yesterday. ;)

He was the FIRST well known person I've ever known to have any stem cell procedure. I suppose others could have had them, but just never went public? :shrug: HOPEFULLY, this will be a great success and will be a testament to the need for MORE stem cell research.

[Cha]

3. Very interesting! I've always had

a special place in my heart for Don Ho. Hope he comes through this experimental stem cell procedure with flying colors.

[FreedomAngel82]

4. Me too

And I hope he speaks out in favor of it too as proof. I wish him well.