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Tucson man getting controversial help in India

Posted at 8:33 PM, Apr 01, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-01 23:39:27-04

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A Tucson couple is flying to Indian, hoping to get help from a controversial treatment.

When Forrest Falk was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident in September, 2015, he was told he would never walk again. 

He is still getting used to life in a wheelchair, with help from his fiancee Nicole Henry. 

In January, on a trip to Colorado for physical therapy, the couple learned of a possible option, after a chance encounter with a complete stranger. 

"We had a lady come up to use from the Disability Resource Center and she said, 'You know, I actually got the stem cell treatment and it worked for me,'" said Nicole.  "And she was walking."

They immediately started researching the doctor the woman told them about,  Dr. Geeta Shroff in India, who claims to have had success with stem cell treatments.

Stem cell treatments have been banned in the United States. Some research has also come out against Dr. Shroff's work, but Nicole and Forrest said they were convinced after talking to some of her past patients.

"It really benefited them," said Nicole. "While nobody has full function back, they have most functions. They can control their bowel, control their bladder, just overall better quality of life." 

The couple is trying to come up with $45,000 to go to India for the treatment. Nicole said they have emptied their savings accounts and will take out loans or do "whatever they have to" in order to come up with the rest of the money. They have started a gofundme account if you would like to donate.