Don Ho Recovering From Stem Cell Procedure

[tuvor]

By JAYMES SONG, Associated Press Writer 2 hours, 6 minutes ago

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.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051207/ap_en_mu/don_ho

[Lindacooks]

1. Good for him - I hope it helps.

And this is yet another sign that the US is going to be falling far, far behind other countries in medical research because of the idiocy of the chimp administration.

[bliss_eternal]

7. Excellent point, Lindacooks!

Thanks for making it! :hi:

[SKKY]

9. It's an interesting point...

I will never understand why, for so many, faith and technology are mutually exclusive.

[MrSlayer]

2. Get Well Donny.

My friend and I celebrate Don Ho's birthday every year.

[Ouabache]

3. Hope there are no complications due to tiny bubbles

so he can get well fast.

[nicknameless]

4. I hope he recovers fully.

Wonderful to hear that his vital signs were "excellent".

[Lasher]

5. Highly interesting

I hope this works - for Don's sake, but even more for the sake of all who could someday benefit from stem cell therapy.

I didn't think adult stem cells taken from blood could be used to repair the heart. I guess I learn something every day.

[bliss_eternal]

6. What a courageous man--

I'll keep him and his loved ones in my thoughts and prayers for a complete and speedy recovery.

I'd also like to say good for him and to thank him for taking this chance. If he finds success from the procedure it could be a huge boon to stem cell research advocates in this country.

Blessings to Don Ho!

[truthisfreedom]

8. wow... i wonder how fast we might see results if it works?

pretty exciting news. my mom is almost 80 and has had at least one heart attack.

[Raine]

10. Best wishes

to Don Ho, I hope he has a full recovery.

[xchrom]

11. tiny bubbles...in the wine...

hope you'll be fine, don ho.

good thoughts and more tiny bubbles coming your way.