Former Detroit Red Wing and NHL-great, Gordie Howe, known affectionately and appropriately by the nickname "Mr. Hockey," has seen a drastic improvement in his once-failing health over the last few weeks.
Howe has suffered a number of strokes since last summer and had been experiencing dementia. There was concern that the 87 year old could be near the end, especially after a particularly serious stroke in October and again when he was rushed to a hospital in December with what turned out to be dehydration.
But now, with the assistance of controversial stem cell treatment, his condition has improved drastically.
"Son Mark Howe, who was at Saturday's game between the Wings and Washington Capitals in his role as a Wings pro scout, told the Free Press that Gordie Howe 'is doing very well, overall,'" writes Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
Mark, along with brothers Marty and Murray and sister Cathy - with whom Gordie resides in Lubbock, Texas - made the difficult decision to have the Hall of Famer undergo stem cell treatment.
Stem cell treatment, also known as "stem cell therapy," is able to replace neurons damaged by the plethora of strokes Howe has suffered via a process by which "embryonic stem cells are differentiated into the necessary cell type, then those mature cells replace tissue that is damaged by disease or injury," according to the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
Since beginning the treatment in mid-December - when his mobility was extremely limited - the family says that Howe's quality of life has drastically improved - even to the point where the once home-bound Howe again ventures out into public.
"Now he's able to kick a small ball around outside. And within the past few days, dad was pushing a cart at a grocery store, and he's gone to the mall," Mark Howe said."
