Gordie Howe's health improving after stem cell injections

On Friday night, the family of hockey legend Gordie Howe released an update via the Detroit Red Wings on Mr. Hockey's improving health condition thanks to stem cell injections.

The release states that as a result of press coverage about their father's deteriorating health, the Howe family was approached by Dr. Maynard Howe and Dave McGuigan, the CEO and VP respectively of Stemedica Cell Technologies. Although bearing no relation to Gordie himself, Dr. Howe and his team thought they could help improve Gordie's quality of life following the debilitating strokes he suffered earlier in the fall. They suggested putting Howe in a stem cell clinical trial administered at Novastem.

Given the poor state of Howe's health, the family decided to give the stem cell therapies a chance, and, beginning on December 8, Howe underwent a two-day, non-surgical treatment that included natural stem cells being injected into his spinal canal and mesenchymal stem cells injected by intravenous infusion.

In Friday's release, the Howe family shared that the hockey legend's response to the injections was "truly miraculous," and that in the days following the visit to the Novastem medical facility, he was able to walk with minimal effort, talk comfortably to others, and assist in daily household chores.

They ended the note acknowledging fans for their continued support of Howe and his recovery.

"As a family, we are thrilled that Dad's quality of life has greatly improved, and his progress has exceeded our greatest expectations. Once again, we cannot emphasize how much you have fueled Mr. Hockey's recovery and we thank everyone for their continued prayers and support."