Amanda Boxtel returns to Delhi, India, for stem-cell therapy.
Post blogger Amanda Boxtel, co-founder of Challenge Aspen, returns to the valley after her second trip to Delhi, India, for experimental embryonic stem-cell therapy. "Human Embryonic Stem Cells are alive and growing in my body," she blogs from afar, "infusing me with life and awakening my legs. As I near the end of my second treatment at Nutech Mediworld, I continue to regain strength. I have three days before I board my flight bound for the US. This time around, I am discovering that my body is so much more sensitive to the treatment, and I am more in tune with my bodily sensations."
Post blogger Jamie Lynn Miller ventures into terra cognita at the Pitkin County Democratic caucus. "Every 3½ years or so," she blogs, "I really care about politics. I try to care as much the 3½ years leading up to it but things get in the way – powder day after powder day, live music, another day in paradise. But I think it’s better to care, even some of the time, than to not care at all. I was watching the Democratic debates on youtube, when it suddenly occurred to me if I really wanted to be informed, or at least aware, I should watch the Republican debates as well."
Posts filed under 'Women'
“Is a pain in the ass worse than a pain in the neck?”
That seemed to be the question of the minute, hour, day and week as Dr. Jung dug her elbow deeper into my nervy-hypersensitive bum for the umpteenth time while Dr. Choe pressed hard on two points at the back of my neck. Tears flooded my eyes and trickled down into the pillow as I lay face down on the floor. Last week my tears were a steady flow like a dripping faucet. Despite his remarkably youthful appearance Dr Choe celebrated his 79th birthday on Sunday, August 17th. He is agile and strong, and is well respected around the world. On the morning of our first day of treatment, Dr. Choe was confirming dates to work on Nelson Mandela within the next month in South Africa. I felt very privileged to have a doctor of his caliber work on me in my little condo on the river in Basalt.
Continue Reading August 21st, 2008
Shortly after 12 noon I am rolled on a gurney from my hospital room into the operating theater. The operating theater assistants line the trolley side-by-side to a narrow operating table and I roll over on to the skinny surface face down on my tummy. The table is tilted six inches or so with my head pointing downhill. I feel instant pressure in my sinus cavities and my head thumps with fresh blood. A finger pulse oximeter to monitor my blood saturation levels and my heart pulse rate is positioned on to the tip of my index finger. A steady bleep bleep bleep bleep beeps in the background while the Blue Angels (assistants festooned in blue scrubs) hold my body face-down in position.
Continue Reading May 8th, 2008
As hard as it might be for some of you to believe, I am awake and typing away on my computer at 5:30 am. I have a fresh cup o’ Peet’s French Roast by my side, a candle burns casting a soft golden glow on my keyboard, jasmine incense fill the air, and as much as I’d like to describe a lovely pink hue on the horizon, Delhi is displaying its best gray! Upon a second look, there are different shades of gray, and if I really use my imagination with my watercolorist’s eye, there might even be a touch of lavender here and there. If my memory serves me correctly, Delhi can actually produce some quite spectacular sunrises and sunsets because (yes, you guessed it) smog has the propensity to bring out gorgeous dusty oranges and crimson reds (but not this morning!).
Continue Reading May 6th, 2008
Human Embryonic Stem Cells are alive and growing in my body, infusing me with life and awakening my legs. As I near the end of my second treatment at Nutech Mediworld, I continue to regain strength. I have three days before I board my flight bound for the US. This time around, I am discovering that my body is so much more sensitive to the treatment, and I am more in tune with my bodily sensations.
Continue Reading February 19th, 2008
Mum, I will promise to stick to my chosen path and proceed with the strength you and the Universe have bequeathed upon me…I will aspire to walk for you and for me. That is my goal. That is my dream. I will keep the faith, meditate, pray, and fill my being with light and courage. I will chant “Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo…Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo…Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo…Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo” as you chant in unison from across the oceans. The Lion King of Sutras–The Lotus Sutra—will help us remain in the ever present now, satiating our souls with love, compassion, and good karma from our mystical univer se. Believe Mum, as I will hold the belief that anything is possible. I am healing. I am creating every moment right now. My future is now. I try to move forward without expectation. I am not attached to an outcome and I accept my body as it is—right now! While I have physical imperfections, I believe I am perfect as I am. This is my path. Perfection is ever expanding. I embody perfection. Perfection is growing every moment through me and is a dynamic state of being. It is not an end. I will tap into my higher potential—my God Self—knowing that I am capable of achieving more, and visualizing every pure embryonic cell gestating from a perfect state manifesting the Divine throughout my physical body. Mum, hold this belief as I do. I am changed. Through this journey I have matured. I am wiser. I am Amanda.
Continue Reading February 12th, 2008
Four months at home of hard work and intense physical therapy with Tami, Gabrielle, Dale, and Zander; a weekly yoga session with Emily Hightower; and a weekly massage with CP; walking regularly in my leg braces and parallel bars; and cycling on my electrical stimulation bicycle three times a week has ALL PAID OFF!!!!! I am pleased to report that Chavi (my adorable physical therapist in India), Dr. Shroff, Dr. Ashish Verma, and Mum are absolutely thrilled with my progress. Having been gone for four months, they clearly see my strength and improvements. It has been tough to monitor my own progress at home. My trunk mobility and lower abdominal strength is remarkable.
Continue Reading February 1st, 2008
As I prepare to leave for my second visit to India I rack my brain trying to think of essentials that I might need to make life as uncomplicated as possible. Delhi is challenging to say the least. Oddly, my first thought was: Indian panty liners don’t stick and inevitably end up in a wad in my undies. No.1. on my list: Panty Liners. No. 2. Charmin Ultra Soft & Most Absorbent toilet paper. No.3. Backpacker’s Pantry Outdoor Gourmet Food – just add hot water (10 packets). No. 4. Wild Caught Smoked Sockeye Salmon for a decadent moment. No. 5. Udi’s Natural Artisan Granola. No. 6. Peet’s French Roast Coffee. No. 7. French Press and mug. No. 8. Peeler (I remember the rule to fight the dreaded Delhi Belly: If I can’t peel it or boil it, don’t eat it!). No. 9. Small paring knife. No.10. Hand sanitizer. And the list goes on… In fact, it seems that I will have one suitcase reserved for food and products to make life less tricky.
Continue Reading January 7th, 2008
Aspen, CO … Compassion and creativity collide on December 5 as an innovative, cross-cultural program of the Aspen Writers’ Foundation (AWF) and Anderson Ranch Arts Center (ARAC) makes its debut. The program, known as Story Swap, uses storytelling, creative writing and the visual arts to generate understanding between native and non-native English speakers at the high school level. The work of approximately 40 Basalt High School students will be featured in a gallery exhibition and presentation at 5 pm at the Red Brick Center for the Arts in Aspen . The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Continue Reading November 20th, 2007
“Yes Dr. Ashish. Deal! I’ll move my right hamstring, I promise!” I made this statement with complete confidence…and in front of Dale, with both of our eyes focused on my lower right leg as I lay on my side isolating my upper body and hip flexors; I moved my right hamstring on command! My leg and foot moved backwards from the knee down. The movement was slight (an inch or two is all) but it was there. I then sat up with glee and said, “Let me try my toes.”
Continue Reading August 22nd, 2007
SNOWMASS, COLORADO (Post Time News)–It’s like Bat Day at the stadium
The first 500 participant in the Snowmass Wellness Experience August 17-19, 2007, will take home a bagfull of goodies and good things.
Welcome bags include samples valued at $75 from companies like Fruitabu, Arrowhead Mills, Back To Nature, Nordic Naturals, Terra Chips, and Yogi Tea.
Continue Reading August 16th, 2007
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