IBERIA, Ohio — Bill Dapper from Galion has been in a wheelchair for 15 years. After his accident on September 5, 1999, he was considered an incomplete paraplegic. But he hopes to stand again after receiving a $15,000 fetal stem cell treatment from Stem Cell of America on April 17.
The date of his accident is tattooed on his wrist, a constant reminder of the day he lost his ability to stand and walk.
“I died that day,” he said.
Dapper recalled the accident. He was in Charleston, West Virginia for their annual Sternwheel Regatta when it happened. He was intoxicated and exhausted by the heat. He and his friends decided to jump in the river from one of the 40-foot tug boats. At his second attempt he slipped and fell, hitting every level of the boat until splashing unconsciously into the water. His friends jumped after him and took him to the hospital.
He shattered two vertebrae, broke ribs on both sides, punctured his lungs, broke his left collar bone and bruised his brain in the fall. Dapper was fortunate to not have completely severed his spinal cord. He still has feeling below the injury, but he is unable to stand or walk and is confined to a wheelchair.
His mother, Kathy Jenne, remembered getting the call. She drove six hours to Charleston, thinking the worst. “I was in another state. I just remember thinking ‘he’s not going to be alive.’ When I saw him … I just, you lose it, you know? That’s your child there. It’s the worst call in the world a parent could receive,” said Jenne.
Before his injury, Dapper worked as a mechanic and enjoyed outdoor activities; he had just purchased a motorcycle. Jenne said he loved to dance, too.
“I kept it (the motorcycle) in my living room for two years after,” said Dapper. “I looked at it everyday and it was like a motivation to maybe someday ride it again.”
A year ago, Dapper and his mother found Stem Cell of America by researching online. They read their mission statement, which states, “to reduce the pain and suffering from many of mankind’s most devastating diseases and conditions by delivering the future promise of Fetal Stem Cell therapy today.”
Stem Cell of America uses fetal stem cells, cells that are derived of human fetuses. Dapper is aware of the controversy behind the treatment, but he said he has to try.
“I know it’s a trial thing. It’s one of those things though that if I don’t at least try, I’ll be thinking ‘what if’ all the time,” said Dapper.
He and his mother fly to San Diego, where Stem Cell of America’s office is located, on Friday, April 17. He said the procedure is so simple that he’ll be able to fly home on Sunday.
According to Communications Director of the California Stem Cell Agency Kevin McCormack, stem cell research and treatment in humans and animals is legal in the U.S. However, companies must be approved by extensive Food and Drug Association (FDA) procedures and policies in order to legitimize their business.
Stem Cell of America, the San Diego company performing the procedure, declined comment.
The procedure cost $15,000 out of his pocket. Medical insurance does not cover this type of treatment. On March 7 a benefit was put together by his mother to raise most of the funds. About $6,400 was raised at the benefit, the rest was profit from selling personal items and his mother donated a significant amount to the cause as well.
“The benefit was incredible. We tripled what I thought we’d get,” said Jenne. “Even when he was in the hospital in West Virginia, I couldn’t believe how many people came to see him. He has a lot of support.”
Dapper hopes this procedure will allow him to at least stand again.
“I’d really like to stand again. There’s a lot of strain on my shoulders from wheeling for 15 years. And I have tingling in my legs and toes constantly. I hope that goes away too,” he said.
Since the accident, Dapper has had to learn a different way of life. Suddenly, he said, everything was more expensive. And everything took just a little longer to do.
“Nothing really is cheap for handicapped people,” said Dapper. “Wheelchairs alone cost three to five thousand [dollars]. Yeah, they’re not cheap at all. I’ve learned to research different prices. Companies probably sell them to older people who don’t know better,” he added.
He said he travels to Canada for his medications because they are cheaper.
With no formal employment, Dapper volunteers as an officer at a Fraternal Order of Eagles post in Galion. Through his time at the Eagles club he has participated in a number of community events and organizations like the Boy Scouts, Galion high school sports, and food banks. He also helps coach high school wrestling at Galion High School.
“I think if he wants to walk again that he’ll work very diligently at accomplishing that,” said Jenne. “He’s a hard worker and is pretty headstrong.”
“Every dream I’ve had since the accident I’ve never been in a wheelchair. I don’t know why. I just hope it works,” said Dapper.
“I know it’s a trial thing. It’s one of those things though that if I don’t at least try, I’ll be thinking ‘what if’ all the time,” said Bill Dapper.
