First, stem cells are immature cells that renew themselves for long periods through cell division.

Also, under certain  conditions, they can be “tricked” chemically to become cells that do special things, like become the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas.

Doctors around the world are already using stem cells to treat diseases. No one is really sure if the treatments are safe and effective (by scientific standards). But many desperately ill and disabled patients travel many miles and spend many thousands of dollars to obtain these treatments.

This book of prayers is for those patients. But it is also for all patients now and in the future who seek relief from their diseases and disabilities through stem cell-based therapeutics.

Each day, people all over the world are moved to worship and adore God, and to acknowledge that they are dependent upon God.

The Gospels mention many times that Jesus himself often withdrew to quiet, desolate places to pray.

As St. Augustine once wrote, “He wishes our desires to be expressed in prayers so that we may be able to receive what he is ready to give.”

This Treasury of Prayers has four inspiring sections:

● Prayers Before Stem Cell Treatment (Contemplation and Decision);

● Prayers While at the Hospital or Clinic;

● Prayers for Patients with Specific Diseases, Conditions and Disabilities

● Scriptural Readings for the Spiritual Comfort of Stem Cell Patients.

To purchase at Amazon.com, click here.

For more information about “And I Shall Be Healed,” click here.

Published July 27, 2009

Fargo, ND – A south Fargo man is back from a trip to the Caribbean, but it wasn’t for pleasure. Kevin Scufsa hopes his time spent there saves his life. It is an update to a story we first brought you in February when friends rallied to raise money for Scufsa so he could get a stem cell treatment not allowed in the US.

Life threatening lung disease continues to zap Kevin Scufsa of energy. His children have all that. Just days after returning from the Dominican Republic and a stem cell treatment procedure, Kevin waits, hopeful.

Because the FDA has not approved the treatment in the US, Kevin joined other Americans in the Dominican Republic for the procedure. It is a better option than a double lung heart transplant because that is a coin toss.

“It is worth it no matter what. It is worth doing all the work and raising the money and trying the procedure. We had nothing to lose.”

The whole treatment will run more than $60,000. While it will take a few months to see if it takes, some tests reveal there is improvement.

“It is a little hard to wait I want to see some progress. Just let him rest before we see something.”

Scufsa plans on using his experience to urge lawmakers for changes in what is allowed in stem cell treatments here in the states.

More information on stem cell treatments and therapies around the world can be found here.

By Kevin Wallevand, WDAY