A Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Experience with Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis
In a recent investigation, a woman from Fort Lauderdale shared her journey after investing a significant sum in a medical procedure purportedly capable of alleviating her arthritis pain. As a long-time swimmer, 81-year-old Kitty Kessler hoped for relief from her symptoms but instead found herself dealing with disappointment.
Seeking Relief from Arthritis Pain
Kitty Kessler has faced the challenges of arthritis for 27 years, experiencing pain in her shoulders, hands, and feet. Despite her condition, she maintains a passion for swimming, stating, “Because it keeps me in good condition.” However, her enjoyment of the activity comes at a cost—exacerbated pain from her arthritis.
An Enticing Offer
After receiving promotional materials from Reclaim Health Group in Orlando, Kitty attended a complimentary luncheon aimed at informing potential clients about a new treatment. The promise was alluring: the use of umbilical cord stem cells to regenerate cartilage in her shoulders.
Investing in Hope
In pursuit of a pain-free life, Kitty signed a contract and paid a substantial fee of $14,445.75 for what she believed would be life-changing stem cell injections. Shortly after, she received injections, but her expectations were met with harsh reality.
Reality vs. Expectations
Kitty was informed that her pain would diminish within two days; however, as months went by, she experienced no improvement. “It kept getting worse, and it was getting worse for like two months,” she recounted. Four months post-treatment, she acknowledged, “No. It’s not. Not at all.” This outcome was starkly contrary to the claims made by a sales representative, who insisted that only one in eight patients did not find relief.
Clarifying Misleading Claims
Despite having been promised effective treatment, Kitty learned that Reclaim Health Group’s therapy is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and does not claim to treat any diseases. The company’s own website contradicts their marketing, stating that their treatment methods do not hold FDA endorsement.
Taking Action and Raising Awareness
Determined to uncover the truth, Kitty scrutinized the company’s claims regarding the sourcing of stem cells. She discovered discrepancies, as the National Organ Donor Program explained that they do not deal with private entities or the acquisition of tissue outside of organ donation.
Official Complaints and Regulatory Guidance
Kitty filed complaints with both the Fort Lauderdale Police and the Florida Health Department regarding her experience. Notably, the FDA indicated they have received similar complaints about Reclaim Health Group. Dr. Peter Marks of the FDA advised that state medical boards often take action against unproven therapies, suggesting that individuals like Kitty rely on state enforcement over federal responses.
A Cautionary Tale
Reflecting on her decision, Kitty expressed regret, attributing her choice to desperation after years of enduring pain, stating, “I feel like an idiot.” She hopes her experience will warn others, particularly seniors, against falling victim to these kinds of unverified medical claims. “I want to see this made public enough so that other seniors who are being targeted… do not fall prey to this,” she urged.
Conclusion: A Continual Fight
Although Kitty lost her investment and has yet to discover relief from her pain, she remains committed to swimming, despite its toll. “I can’t give up swimming, so I’m going to hurt,” she affirmed, embodying resilience in the face of adversity.
For further inquiries or to report similar experiences, please contact 7 Investigates at 305-627-CLUE or 954-921-CLUE.
