Woman survives severe COVID with assist from clinical trial

Since it appears that you can still get covid even if vaccinated, Canadian ingenuity and research is stepping up to save lives.
A good news story here in our own backyard.

"The Ottawa Hospital clinical trial is testing the ability of multipurpose stem cells to modulate the immune system’s response to COVID-19"

"So began a COVID-19 odyssey for Charlebois that would land her one week later in the intensive care unit of The Ottawa Hospital. There, she would enrol in a clinical trial that’s testing the ability of multipurpose stem cells, known mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), to modulate the immune system’s response to COVID-19."

“With COVID, it was clear the major problem bringing folks to the ICU — and why they were dying — was the effect on the lungs,” said Dr. Duncan Stewart, executive vice-president of research at The Ottawa Hospital, and one of three Ottawa scientists who launched the phase one clinical trial."

"Stewart said MSCs are important to investigate as a COVID-19 treatment because of their multi-faceted ability to influence the immune system. The cells can tamp down the system’s hyperactivity while also enhancing its beneficial effects. “MSCs have a very balanced effect, which is in concert with what we believe is their biological role in the body: to facilitate healing, support repair and reduce inflammation,” he said."

"She received her first stem cell infusion the same day, the first of three. She had a feeding tube inserted the following day and was placed in a helmet-style ventilator that delivered oxygen. She was too sick to be scared: “I didn’t have the strength to worry about anything,” Charlebois said. “I figured I was in good hands.”

"She’s immensely grateful to the nurses and doctors who cared for her at the Civic campus, and helped her through the medical crisis. “It was a hard road, but at least I’m still here,” she said."

https://ottawasun.com/news/local-news/kanata-woman-survives-severe-covid-case-with-assist-from-clincial-trial/wcm/68aba7ac-8a24-4c26-90a5-a091c540e469

My wife and I watched that on the news last night. As a Nurse (ret) she was very excited to hear of the progress this research is achieving. If successful it opens treatment for a wide variety of diseases.

That is one remarkable nice lady.