March 09--Experimental stem cell therapy could improve the chances of recovery for a 20-year-old junior hockey player who suffered a spinal cord injury during a game last month, doctors said at a news conference Tuesday in Park Ridge.
Matt Olson stumbled and hit the boards while playing for the Chicago Cougars during the team's last regular season game Feb. 21 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates. After the crash, he couldn't move his arms or legs. After surgery and experimental treatments at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, doctors are hopeful.
"Matt was of clear mind and suffered no head injury," said neurosurgeon Dr. John Ruge. "Initially, we thought his spinal cord was severed, but we found it was severely pinched."
After initial surgery to the front and back of his neck, Olson's spine was straightened, Ruge said. He is on a ventilator without the use of his arms and legs but able to shrug his shoulders, the doctor said.
"His prognosis is too early to tell," Ruge said. "It's going to be day to day."
Ruge said Olson was infused with adult stem cells found "among the hockey community" to assist in the recovery of his spinal column. His lifetime care, Ruge said, could cost several million dollars because "it's going to be a long road for him."
Olson injured himself when he stumbled and hit the boards while chasing the puck during a U.S. Premier Hockey League game between the Cougars and the Illiana Blackbirds.
His parents, Sue and Doug Olson, from Isanti, Minn., have been at his side as he recovers.
"The best way to support our family is through your prayers and financial help. We're going to need a lot of that," his father said.
The parents, who are staying with family in Wauconda, said the league, which Olson joined in August, has been supportive financially and in other ways. They thanked everyone in the hockey community for their support and fundraising.
"Matt has the same positive attitude he had on the ice," his mother said. "Matt's accident is really going to change his life, but the continued support is going to make this possible."
Olson has insurance but, his mother said, there are many medical care needs and services that go beyond what is covered.
Olson's family members set up a website to raise money for his medical expenses at gofundme.com/mattolson-3, and to track his progress at caringbridge.org.
Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelance reporter.
