Annemarie, thanks so much for the breakdown. I could never in a lifetime have enough words to express how grateful I am for all the help that comes our way in the form of donations. I just want to add a couple of points to the post above for further clarification and transparency.

2007 was by far the year in which we spent more than any previous year, mainly due to the stem cell therapy in Beijing’s TianTan Puhua and the required 3 months hospitalization in China. The total amount spent with Chris’ various treatments in 2007 was an astonishing US$81,803.64, broken down as:

• US$75,895.79 - of which US$52,900 direct hospital bill for the 3 bone marrow stem cell injections, 4 neuro fetus stem cell injections, hospitalization for three months, therapy, etc. The remaining US$22,995.78 were costs related to the various airfares, nurse, helper, and other costs;
• US$3,153.85 for six months of one-on-one carer Chris received upon his return from Beijing. Luckily this number is low at this amount only because the PCT picked up the remaining US$9,461.55. I am so thankful for this.
• US$2,754 for massages, the Bobath assessment and supplements / nutritional program.

As it is obvious for anyone, all the moneys received through the CBMF as broken down above were an absolute relief for me and helped so much in minimizing the hit that these treatments put in our personal finances. Unfortunately, nothing is for free when it comes to alternative therapies for Chris.

For 2008 we are all set and scheduled to depart for another round of stem cell treatment. Departure date is set up for March 20, 2008. Tickets have already been issued and only minor details need to be finalized at this point. The hospital bill for 6 injections of Umbilical Cord stem cell and 30-days hospitalization was US$25,975 -which is fully paid as broken above in Annemarie’s post. In addition to the US$20,920 wired through funds received from the Friends & Family Trust fundraiser, another US$5,430 was also wired directly by the F&F Trust before the balance of US$37,524 was deposited into the CBMF. I hope this is not confusing but I just wanted to account for the full amount directed towards Chris from the F&F Trust.

All I can say is that from my side, not only I am deeply indebted for life for all the help that comes towards Chris and me, but actually this help makes viable the continued provision of additional therapies which would not be possible without our friends and family constantly mobilizing in our help. From my perspective, it ensures that I continually look for more and more to help Chris in this journey – just knowing that that are dedicated funds for CHRIS exclusively makes everything possible.

As of yesterday, Chris started to get his daily 30-minute massages from F. – an assistant PT at the Jacob with whom I spent a good amount of time this week going through what I want to achieve regarding Chris upper limb tone and spasticity. She will work with him daily and a US$97.50 / week rate has been agreed on. I have an appointment with a homeopath next week on the 23rd of January. I do not know if it will be effective in treating Chris’ tone, but I want to try it anyway.

I have also identified a private SALT that will work with Chris after he returns from China. It is very important to keep continued and intensive therapies following the stem cell injections. I will also find a private PT to top what Chris’ receives at the Jacob. This is all prepping up for Chris’ return from China. Finally I am going again through a book on brain injury and nutrition because I will implement again a new nutritional/ supplementary plan for Chris.

So this is a bit of colour into what I have planned for this year …

I know there is a large group of friends and family mobilizing right now to get raffle prizes donations to help with all the above plans for 2008. The fact that our friends continue to rally around us for a third year in a row is nothing short of extraordinary and amazing. I am so thankful beyond words. Chris would also be touched and grateful beyond words for all the help that comes our way.

Thanks to everyone – old and new friends, family, strangers - who continues to support Chris’ healing. Your generosity not only helps practically by providing the finances, but also boosts my energy and motivation to keep on trying… We are truly blessed and privileged for being able to do all the things we do for Chris.

With my absolute, deepest and most sincere gratitude,

Koo & Chris

(PS – an exchange rate of US$1.95/£ was used when converting Sterling Pounds to USD in all calculations above)