Alex was born three months premature, weighted 1,112g and 33cm.

His first few days/weeks were very difficult, he received blood transfusion, had a bleeding in his brain, infections, breathing issues. After nearly a month in the intensive care unit, we were moved to a room for children who are out of a danger. Two weeks before due date and two and half months in the hospital, we were able to take Alex home.

Before we left the hospital, Alex had a newborn hearing test which he didn't pass twice already. My little superhero didn't hear anything. Premature babies can develop their bodies including hearing over the first 9 months of their lives so we were over the moon when we found out months later that our Alex could finally hear in one ear. Within few weeks later- both ears. But I have noticed Alex didn't respond to any noises around him. He didn't hear an alarm. He didn't run to the door when post man knocked. On his 2nd birthday he was diagnosed with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder. It is a hearing disorder in which the inner ear successfully detects sound but has a problem with sending sound from the ear to the brain. The audiologists knew about ANSD since Alex was born, but somehow they ‘’forgot’’ to tell us.

On the same day doctors also suggested test for autism. First appointment went well. Alex was playing with the toys and reacting well to others. At our second appointment we were told it was ‘only’ communication problem. I remember that feeling of relief when they said Alex would be ok. A year had passed and Alex didn't improve and things didn't change and we went for another appointment. This time doctors’ diagnoses were very clear. Alex has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As each day passed, we recognized more ‘red flag’ characteristics of autism. We started using pictures (Pecs) and symbols to help him to understand what was happening or what would happen. He needs a strict routine, he suffers from anxiety and OCD. If something doesn't go his way he often shouts and unfortunately hurts himself.

The worst feeling on this planet is, when you see your child suffer, to watch Alex struggle with our “ordinary” stuff every day. Alex has a huge self-stimulation. When he is happy, he waves his hands (flapping) and screams a lot. Other kids run away from him or laugh at him. They don't understand Alex is unique and this is his way how he can express his joy and happiness.

We were always told Alex is severely autistic and this is the reason he is nonverbal. I never wanted to believe it and I took my boy to a different clinic for second opinion. After 2hrs of examination we were told Alex is profoundly deaf. We took Alex for third opinion however they just confirmed it. He was 5yrs old at that time. Because of the late diagnosis, Alex missed opportunity to hear, or talk. He was suggested for a cochlear implant but because of his age it was refused. We’ve been under new audiologist team, Alex is wearing hearing aids all day. Because he is not cooperating very well they still have difficulties to set up the hearing aids.

Alex is unaware of danger. He likes to climb everywhere, run away and he is very fast. It is very hard to catch him. Just like other parents we try to do the maximum for him. He is in ASD unit in mainstream school where they really try to meet his needs. He is attending ABA therapy. ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis - is a therapy based on the science of learning and behaviour. The goal is to increase behaviours that are helpful and decrease behaviours that are harmful or affect learning. We have also tried neurofeedback, homeopathic medicines, oxygen therapy however nothing has worked for him.

While expecting our daughter Lilly, my mum came up with idea to store her umbilical cord stem cells for the future. I have received articles about Intravenous administration of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells by my sister-in-law. It has been shown in multiple clinical trials it decreases inflammation in autistic patient and may alleviate symptoms of autism. There is currently no cure for those with ASD; however, research with stem cells could offer some hope. After discussion with my husband we decided for Panama treatments - Stem Cell Institute. Cost of $17000. However, to make this happen we needed a bank loan for Alex's first round of treatment, flight tickets, insurance etc. Treatment length was (Monday – Friday) 5 Days. First day he had Physical examination and blood tests, rest of the week he got 4 intravenous infusions of human umbilical cord tissue-derived allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell which lasted approximately 1 minute. Alex wasn't scared as he is used to needles (anaemia). He was very brave and we were so proud of him. We took him every day for a swim after the treatment as a reward. Alex loves to swim. First 3 months he had became very hyperactive and emotional which we were told was to be expected. After that he became more aware of world around him, feeding his little sister,...

We managed to go for another round of stem cells in Kiev, Ukraine this year. After 2 days of various tests such as MRI, EEG, IQ tests, blood tests and much more we were given stem cells on day three. Results are amazing, no increasing in hyperactivity, or stimming. He started to imitate. We started to learn more of Signalong. He can imitate anything but we are not sure if he understands why he is signing. Alex loves to cook, bake, he can prepare pancakes, muffins, helping his wee sister with adding jam on hers pancakes and much much more.

Years passed and we still have a long way to go. Next year we would like to go for another rounds of stem cells, dolphin therapy and Mert therapy.

Dolphin Therapy is a form of complementary medicine with impressive psychotherapeutic and psychosomatic results.

MERT s a combination of three different treatment phases: rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), EEG (an Electroencephalogram) and ECG (an Electrocardiogram). the only base in U.S. so far as I know. The assessment period lasts 2 weeks and treatment is between 6-8weeks.

We will always fight for the best future for our son. Just now we’ve been doing Brain Balance – Mellilo Method – which requires special exercises 3 times a day, we have a health coach for Alex which is helping with Alex’s supplements, diet.

We would like to ask all you good people who are able to sponsor Alex and give him a chance to improve his health and quality of life. Thank you so much for any help and we will keep you updated.