From the moment that I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in my early 20s, I felt that my life was taken away from me. I suffered from fatigue, excessive swelling, constant pain and stiffness in my joints. Tasks that seemed simple, like walking up the stairs, were nearly impossible for me.

As a cosmetology student, I had difficulty keeping up with the rest of my class when it came to blow-drying hair or holding up shears. Most days, I was unable to even leave my bed, which caused me to develop depression.

Feeling defeated by my illness, I worked with my doctor for potential solutions. I took all the approved medications but nothing helped to ease my pain or swelling.

I continued to search for an alternative solution to feel better. My dad’s friend suggested Celltex Therapeutics, a Houston-based biotechnology company specializing in processing one’s own adult stem cells for banking and therapy.

My parents and I continued to research and learned more about the possibilities of using your own cells to feel better. And after five years of living in discomfort, I met with Dr. Stanley Jones, M.D., Co-founder, Director and Chief Medical Officer of Celltex Therapeutics.

Dr. Jones guided me through the process and did a thorough screening of my health to make sure that stem cell banking and therapy were the right fit for me. Once I had successfully banked my own stem cells at Celltex’s laboratory in Houston, I was ready to receive therapy at the private, accredited Hospital Galenia in Cancun, Mexico.

Hospital Galenia’s staff and medical team were fantastic and professional. They immediately made me feel comfortable and stress-free.

A few months after receiving IV stem cell injections in my hip bone, my symptoms drastically improved. Today, I live without medication, pain or inflammation and have regained use of my body. Stem cell therapy has allowed me to become myself again. I can now walk with ease, maintain an active lifestyle while taking care of my kids, and I have recovered movement and control in my fingers.

Prior to Celltex, I was told by doctors that I would never be able to have children of my own because of the state of my body. Now, I have two children and they are the light of my life.

Thanks to Celltex, my dreams of having and keeping up with my children are made possible. Celltex has given me my life back and I have only good things to say about stem cell therapy.