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CARTHAGE To help defray the costs of a Carthage natives stroke treatment, friends and family will host a benefit from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Bassett-Baxter American Legion Post 789, 415 West St.

A stroke left Cynthia Wright completely paralyzed, unable to speak and to swallow on Thanksgiving Day 2015. After treatment, she regained her speech and some movement but was still weak on her left side. After a year, she recovered somewhat being able to walk and talk but her left arm and hand were still not functioning.

Ms. Wright, who now lives in Redwood, said she walks daily to regain her strength and coordination. She has been able to return to work, overseeing operations at five locations in the state Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Department.

I did the best I could with what I have Im not one to sit around and mope, she said.

To Ms. Wright, a member of St. James Family Choir, the loss of her singing voice was as tragic as losing the use of her arm.

I cant put into words how bad I felt losing my singing voice that was the worst part for me, she said.

Ms. Wright also had sung for private events and had been active in the Carthage Little Theater, including playing the lead in Funny Girl in the 1990s.

After seeing a television news report about the use of stem cell treatments to reverse the effects of strokes, Ms. Wright had hopes for a more complete recovery. She was approved for treatment at StemGenex Medical Group in California.

The treatment involved harvesting her own stem cells and injecting the treated cells into her arm, leg and through her nostrils.

She said the treatment was not bad at all and only took a couple of hours to complete after the harvesting on the first day.

Some results have been noticed more arm movement and better speech but she said it could take three to six months to see real results, which would come a little at a time.

Since the treatment is not FDA approved, Ms. Wright had to come up with the $16,000 needed for the treatment plus travel expenses.

Entertainment at the benefit will be provided by the Amarillo Band, a country/rock band from Watertown, who will host a band jam also featuring Dirty Sally, the Britton Brothers and Southbound. Food.

There will also be 50/50 raffles, a wine pull and a Chinese auction.

We wanted to do this for Cindy to show our love and support, said Tamara Charette, Ms. Wrights sister and the events organizer.

She said they are still seeking donations of auction items; donors can call 315-493-1794 to make arrangements.

The benefit committee is also selling raffle tickets for a half of a cow from Noltzs of Lowville. The winning ticket will be drawn at the benefit.

Continued here:
Benefit to defray cost of stem cell treatment set for May 7 – WatertownDailyTimes.com

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