Stem Cell Therapy in USA Today: Don Ho returns to his home in Honolulu

USA Today online reports on VesCell therapy and Hawaiian Singing legend Don Ho - December 20, 2005

Don Ho returns to his home in Honolulu

HONOLULU (AP) — Legendary Hawaiian crooner Don Ho, who had an experimental procedure on his ailing heart two weeks ago in Thailand, returned home to Honolulu on Monday.

"He is continuing his rest and recuperation at an undisclosed location," said Ho's publicist Donna Jung. "We're delighted to say that his health is improving dramatically."

Ho, known for his signature tune Tiny Bubbles, underwent a new treatment Dec. 6 that has not been approved in the United States. It involves multiplying stem cells taken from his blood and injecting them into his heart in hopes of strengthening the organ.

Ho was among the first patients selected for the VesCell adult stem cell therapy.

The experimental procedure was developed by TheraVitae Co., which has offices in Thailand and laboratories in Israel, where Ho's stem cells were sent to be multiplied. The surgery costs roughly $30,000.

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