For many years, certain diseases have seemed utterly insurmountable, defying the best efforts of medical science. These diseases, often considered death sentences, have plagued humanity with a sense of hopelessness. But recent advancements in medical research have begun challenging these long-held beliefs, offering glimpses of hope where there once was none. This list explores some of the most remarkable strides made toward curing these seemingly incurable diseases, showcasing the ingenuity and perseverance of scientists and medical professionals.

These advancements are not merely incremental improvements; they represent groundbreaking achievements that could fundamentally alter the course of treatment for these conditions. From innovative gene therapies to revolutionary stem cell treatments, the landscape of medical science is rapidly changing. Each item on this list highlights a unique breakthrough, providing a detailed look at how researchers are tackling these formidable challenges head-on. The facts presented here paint a picture of a future where diseases once thought to be incurable might finally be defeated.

Related: 10 Unsettling Facts about the World’s Deadliest Diseases

10 Historic Remission of DIPG in a Young Patient

In an extraordinary medical breakthrough, a 13-year-old with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) has achieved complete remission after seven years of experimental treatment. DIPG is notoriously aggressive, often leading to a grim prognosis, with many children succumbing within a year. DIPG is a brain tumor that occurs in an area of the brainstem (the lowest, stem-like part of the brain) called the pons, which controls many of the body’s most vital functions, such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate

This child’s unexpected recovery has provided a beacon of hope for families affected by this devastating diagnosis. While doctors are still unraveling the factors behind the success, this case emphasizes the critical need for continued innovation in pediatric cancer treatments. This remarkable remission could guide future therapeutic approaches, offering renewed hope in the fight against DIPG and other challenging cancers.^[1]

9 Promising Progress in HIV Cure Research Using Stem Cell Transplants

Several individuals have shown sustained remission from HIV after receiving stem cell transplants from donors with a rare genetic mutation that confers resistance to HIV. These cases, while not yet definitively declared cures, represent significant progress in HIV research and offer hope for future therapeutic approaches.

Stem cell transplantation is a complex and risky procedure, not currently a viable option for most people living with HIV. However, the success observed in these cases demonstrates the potential for this approach to eradicate HIV from the body. Ongoing research aims to refine this method and make it safer and more accessible, potentially leading to a functional cure for HIV.

These advancements highlight the importance of continued investment in HIV research and the possibility of achieving a scalable cure in the future. While stem cell transplantation may not be the ultimate solution, it serves as a crucial stepping stone toward developing more widely applicable and effective treatments for HIV.^[2]

8 Promising Gene-Editing Research in Diabetes Treatment

Chinese scientists have demonstrated promising results in treating diabetes in mice using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. By targeting the FTO gene associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, researchers were able to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in mice.

This study marks a significant step forward in understanding the genetic basis of diabetes and exploring potential therapeutic avenues. While the results are encouraging, it’s important to note that this research was conducted on mice, and further studies are needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this approach in humans.

The potential of gene editing to revolutionize diabetes treatment is substantial. This approach could offer a more permanent solution than traditional medication-based management if successful in humans. However, extensive research and clinical trials are necessary before gene editing can become a viable treatment option for diabetes patients.^[3]

7 Breakthrough in Brain Cancer Treatment

Australian Professor Richard Scolyer, diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor almost a year ago, remains cancer-free thanks to his pioneering treatment. Scolyer, a University of Sydney professor, utilized his groundbreaking melanoma research to treat his own glioblastoma. This made him the world’s first brain cancer patient to undergo pre-surgery combination immunotherapy, showing no signs of recurrence nearly 12 months after his diagnosis.

Scolyer’s journey began after a seizure in Poland revealed his grade 4 brain tumor. Using his expertise, he applied the principles of melanoma immunotherapy, which activates the patient’s immune system to fight cancer. The approach has saved thousands of lives from melanoma and now holds promise for brain cancer. Despite the high risk of adverse reactions, Scolyer has experienced positive results, and recent MRI scans confirm the absence of cancer.

His success has far-reaching implications for future brain cancer treatments. By undertaking this experimental therapy, Scolyer has advanced the understanding of brain cancer and opened new avenues for research. His story highlights the potential of personalized medicine and immunotherapy in combating some of the most challenging cancers, offering hope to patients worldwide.^[4]

6 Gene Therapy Brings Hope to Sickle Cell Patients

In a promising development, gene therapy is providing new hope for individuals with sickle cell anemia, a painful and debilitating blood disorder. Tobi Okunseinde from New Jersey is among the first to benefit from this breakthrough. The treatment works by altering his own stem cells to produce normal red blood cells, significantly reducing the frequency and severity of pain crises. Since undergoing the therapy, Tobi has experienced remarkable improvements, regaining the ability to enjoy daily activities without constant pain.

This advancement is seen as a potential game-changer for sickle cell patients who have had limited treatment options. By addressing the underlying genetic cause of the disease, gene therapy offers the possibility of a long-term solution rather than just symptom management. As more patients undergo this treatment, there is growing optimism that it could soon become a standard option, bringing relief and a better quality of life to many affected by sickle cell anemia.^[5]

5 Breakthrough in Hepatitis C Treatment Offers New Hope

Recent advancements in medical science have made it possible to cure hepatitis C, a chronic liver infection that affects millions worldwide. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications have revolutionized treatment, boasting cure rates exceeding 95%. These medications work by targeting the virus directly, preventing it from multiplying and allowing the liver to heal. This development marks a significant improvement over previous treatments, which were less effective and had more severe side effects.

Patients diagnosed with hepatitis C can now look forward to a future free of the virus, significantly reducing their risk of liver complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. The success of these treatments highlights the importance of early diagnosis and access to healthcare. As more people receive these life-saving medications, the hope is that hepatitis C could one day be eradicated entirely.^[6]

4 Innovative Eye Drops Restore Sight in Teenager

In a groundbreaking development, new eye drops have successfully restored sight in a teenager suffering from DEB-related vision loss. DEB (dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa) is also known as “butterfly skin disease. These first-of-their-kind eye drops, developed through advanced gene therapy, deliver a specially designed virus to the eye, which corrects the genetic mutation responsible for the vision loss. This treatment marks a significant milestone in ophthalmology, offering hope to many with similar conditions.

The teenager’s remarkable recovery has been closely monitored by medical professionals, who report significant improvements in vision quality and eye health. This success story highlights the potential of gene therapy to address genetic disorders that were once considered untreatable. The eye drops have provided a non-invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods, making treatment more accessible and less risky.

As research continues, experts are optimistic that this innovation could pave the way for new treatments for various forms of genetic blindness. The promising results from this case have sparked further studies and clinical trials, aiming to refine the therapy and expand its availability. The future of treating genetic eye disorders looks brighter than ever, thanks to this pioneering approach.^[7]

3 Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Children with Genetic Deafness

In a remarkable breakthrough, gene therapy has successfully restored hearing in children with genetic deafness. Researchers conducted a study where they introduced a modified gene into the inner ear cells of the affected children. This gene therapy approach targeted the genetic mutations responsible for their hearing loss, effectively reversing the condition and allowing the children to hear for the first time. The study marks a significant advancement in treating hereditary hearing impairments, offering new hope to many families.

The therapy’s success was evident in the children’s improved auditory responses and speech development. For many, this was the first time they could experience sound, profoundly impacting their quality of life. The positive outcomes from this study demonstrate the potential of gene therapy to address various forms of genetic deafness, paving the way for future treatments that could eliminate the need for hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Ongoing research and clinical trials are expected to refine this gene therapy technique, making it safer and more effective. The future looks promising for those with genetic hearing loss as this innovative approach continues to evolve and reach more patients worldwide.^[8]

2 Breakthrough Treatment for Baldness on the Horizon

A groundbreaking new treatment for baldness has shown remarkable promise, bringing new hope to individuals affected by hair loss. This innovative approach utilizes stem cells to regenerate hair follicles, and the results are astounding. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant hair regrowth, with some participants experiencing near-total restoration of their hair.

This development has the potential to transform the way baldness is treated, shifting away from temporary fixes like hair transplants and medications. By harnessing the body’s natural ability to produce hair, this treatment addresses the root cause of hair loss. As research advances, this game-changing solution could become widely available, offering a permanent answer for those struggling with baldness.^[9]

1 Stem Cell Therapy Helps Paralyzed Man Walk Again

A man who was paralyzed from a severe spinal cord injury has regained the ability to walk after undergoing stem cell therapy. This treatment involved injecting stem cells into the damaged spinal cord, promoting nerve regeneration and restoring motor function. The patient’s progress has been closely monitored, showing significant improvement in mobility and independence.

This success story underscores the potential of stem cell therapy in treating spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions. While further research is necessary, these findings offer hope for developing effective treatments for paralysis. The ongoing studies aim to refine this approach, making it more accessible and beneficial for a broader range of patients.^[10]

Perhaps there is nothing more disheartening than giving birth to a stillborn baby. Nine months of wonder, hope, and promise are all dashed in a matter of minutes. Amazingly, a few babies who were born dead, or died within the first couple of breaths, somehow found their way to the land of the living. These babies experience the wonder of birth, the tragedy of death, and the miracle of resurrection, all within the first few hours of their life.

10Mary Ellen James

For six long years, Mary Ellen James wanted to get pregnant. She did once, but she miscarried. She even tried fertility treatment, but that didn’t work. Then a year after she quit the treatment, she found herself pregnant. On October 31, 1989, Mary Ellen went into labor 12 weeks premature at a hospital in Boca Raton, Florida, and the baby was delivered stillborn. The doctor massaged the infant’s chest, and there was no response for an agonizing 12 minutes, then the infant’s heart started beating. Then after three more minutes of massaging the chest, the baby girl was breathing on her own.

By December 1989, the baby, named Jennifer, was healthy but still small, even though she had doubled in weight. Amazingly, baby Jennifer went home just two days after Christmas in 1989, and then she went on to have a normal childhood.

9David Ring

On October 28, 1953, Leron Ring gave birth to a stillborn son, David. Thinking there was no hope for him, the nurses laid him on a table at the side of the room and set to work saving Leron because she was bleeding to death. She, too, was dying, and they even pronounced her dead. But Leron was alive and noticed that the baby on the table was moving.

When the nurses went to check on him, they found that he was alive as well. Both mother and baby survived the birth, but since David’s brain did not get oxygen for 18 minutes, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy that affects his fine motor skills and his speech. As an adult, David became a Christian minister and motivational speaker. He became famous for his motto, “I have cerebral palsy . . . What’s your problem?” He also wrote an autobiography called The Boy Born Dead.

8Jacob Tomkin

Laura Tomkin from Hatfield Peverel, England, conceived through in vitro fertilization in 2014. On May 30, 2015, when she was 38 weeks pregnant, she was forced to induce labor. When the baby was born, he cried once, but once the cord was cut, the baby lost vital signs, he looked gray, and he wasn’t moving. The doctors immediately tried to kick-start the baby’s life. For 22 of the longest minutes in Laura and her partner Abbie’s life, doctors tried to get the baby’s heart started. Then, surprisingly, the boy started breathing.

The doctor who revived him said that there was a 1 percent chance of the baby surviving. Yet four weeks later, Abbie and Laura took the baby, whom they named Jacob, home with them. Doctors think that Jacob might be slightly brain damaged, but only time will tell what will happen with him. For now, Jacob’s mothers are appreciating every moment they have with their son and they are happy that he is home.

7Robin Cyr

Around 3:00 AM on March 9, 2014, 34-year-old Robin Cyr gave birth to her fourth child in a hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, during the delivery, the baby girl got wedged in the birth canal, cutting off the baby’s blood and oxygen. When she was delivered, she wasn’t breathing. The doctors worked frantically to save the infant, but after 28 minutes, she was pronounced dead, and the infant’s body was wheeled out of the room.

Two minutes later, a nurse who worked on the delivery walked back into Robin’s room, and she was completely stunned and near speechless. The baby was breathing. The surgeon was unsure how or why the baby started breathing, but he said it was a miracle. Robin named the baby Mireya, which is Spanish for “miracle.” Three months after Mireya’s birth, death, and rebirth, she was a healthy and bouncy baby.

6Ella Claxton

During the delivery of Rachel Claxton’s daughter at a hospital in Peterborough, England, in the summer of 2010, her placenta ruptured. When this happens, it is really dangerous because it deprives the baby of blood and oxygen. And of course, people, even during birth, need both to live. If they are deprived, it can cause hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). This can lead to brain damage that can leave people mentally and physically disabled.

The doctors worked hard for 25 minutes on Ella before they finally got a heartbeat. When they did, they wrapped Ella in a blanket that was filled with liquid. The blanket could change the core temperature of the body, so they made Ella’s temperature drop from 37 degrees Celsius to 33.5 (98.6 °F to 92). This temperature induced hypothermia, and this decreased the swelling in the brain. Over the next three days, the baby was chilled and monitored, and finally the blanket was removed. Amazingly, Ella was allowed to leave the hospital eight days later. Nine months after her birth, Ella was a normal baby, although she will probably need physiotherapy in the future.

5Logan Carroll

When Tami Carroll went into labor in April 1995, she was a little nervous because in 1993, she had a baby die at birth. Her pregnancy was normal, and there was nothing wrong with the baby’s heartbeat before she delivered. Yet, baby Logan was born unresponsive at 4:47 PM on April 6. The doctors worked on his tiny body, but at 5:15 PM, he was pronounced dead. They dressed the baby, which was now a grayish blue color, and they let the family hold him so they could say their goodbyes.

Then, over an hour after being born, Tami’s mother held the infant, and that is when Logan started to move. They told the doctor, but he said that it was probably something called “agonal breathing,” which is just the body still reacting to drugs, but by 5:55 PM, an hour and 18 minutes after being born without a heartbeat, Logan was breathing on his own. The doctor examined Logan, and it turned out he was actually alive. Logan was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, but he has a rich life.

4James Engstrom

Bonnie Engstrom’s third pregnancy was normal, and she wasn’t expecting any problems during the delivery. When she did give birth in 2010 at her home in Peoria, Illinois, with the help of midwives, there were no complications, but when James was born, he wasn’t breathing. He was a bluish color, and he wasn’t moving. The midwife began to perform CPR, an ambulance was called, and while they waited, Bonnie’s husband baptized his stillborn son with water and a name: James Fulton. The Engstroms, who are devout Catholics, gave James his middle name in honor of famed American bishop Fulton Sheen, who was born in nearby El Paso, Illinois, and died in 1979.

While Bonnie, her husband, and one of Bonnie’s close friends waited 20 minutes for the ambulance, they prayed to Bishop Fulton. The ambulance arrived and took the mother and the baby to the hospital, where the doctors tried to resuscitate James for over an hour. Then finally, his heart started beating, and he started breathing on his own. Even though James was alive, the doctor warned Bonnie that he might have severe brain or organ damage that could leave James disabled. Yet, as James spent seven weeks in the hospital, he got healthier and showed no effects of being dead for over an hour.

In 2002, a campaign for Sheen’s beatification and canonization was started, and to be canonized as a saint, there needs to be two miracles associated with the candidate. So in May 2014, a seven-member panel of medical experts for the Vatican reviewed the case. They could find no scientific explanation for why James came alive or why he had no signs of permanent damage. The next step for the miracle is that it has to be reviewed by the Vatican and the Pope. If it is accepted as a miracle, Fulton is one miracle away from being canonized.

3Unnamed Baby Girl
Toronto, 2010

On the morning of February 17, 2013, an unidentified 20-year-old pregnant woman wasn’t feeling well and decided to walk to the hospital with her mother. They were about 500 meters (1,500 ft) from the hospital in Toronto, Ontario, when the woman went into labor. An ambulance was called, and she gave birth to a stillborn infant on the sidewalk. The temperature was – 15 degrees Celsius (5 °F). Both mother and baby, a girl, were brought to the hospital, and the medical staff tried to revive the baby, but she was pronounced dead a short time after being admitted to the hospital. The medical staff covered the little body in a blanket, and two police officers had to stand guard until the coroner came by to pick up the body.

An hour and 45 minutes after being born, the officers noticed movements below the sheet. They pulled the sheet back and felt for a pulse. When they found one, they got some medical help, and the baby was placed in the intensive care unit. She was released from the hospital a few weeks later. The hospital reviewed the case, and they believe that the baby had suffered extreme hypothermia that would have made her look dead. Changes were made at the hospital to hopefully make sure this mistake doesn’t happen again.

2Rose Servin

In April 1923, Rose Servin went to a hospital in New York City for her delivery, only to give birth to a baby boy that was unresponsive. Servin was obviously devastated, but the doctor, J.A. Tepperson, heard very faint signs of life. He took the cold body of the baby into another room, where he worked to bring the baby to life. Other doctors were called in, and they worked on the baby for two hours. That is when they decided to try a very new technique, and that was to inject adrenaline directly into the heart.

Almost instantly after the injection, the baby started to change color, and then the heartbeat got stronger and stronger. Within half an hour, the baby was breathing normally and the body was warm. A few days later, both baby and mother were allowed to leave the hospital. At the time, it was the longest that someone had been dead and been brought back to life.

1Yasmin Gomes

On July 9, 2013, 22-year-old Jenifer da Silva Gomes gave birth to her daughter, Yasmin, naturally at a hospital in Londrina, Brazil. Almost immediately after being born, the baby suddenly stopped breathing. For over an hour, the doctors made several attempts to revive Yasmin, but there were no signs of life. Yasmin was pronounced dead at 11:00 AM, and a death certificate was printed. One of the nurses who worked on the delivery didn’t want the baby to go into the morgue. Instead, she took the baby’s body to the hospital’s chapel where she could properly bundle the body.

Three hours after being pronounced dead, Yasmin’s grandmother and the mortician went to the chapel to pick up the body for the funeral. That is when Yasmin opened her eyes, and she was taken to the intensive care unit and appeared to be healthy.

Robert Grimminck is a Canadian freelance writer. You can friend him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter or on Pinterest, or visit his website.

We live in an age of mind-blowing medical breakthroughs. Modern doctors can make the blind see, regrow, or attach totally dismembered organs, or even rouse patients who’ve been in a coma for a long time. However, every now and then, seasoned medical practitioners come across spontaneous recoveries where the patient had little to no chances of survival. Below, we will explore cases of people who recovered even after facing certain deaths as victims of accidents or deadly diagnoses. Here are the top 10 miraculous recoveries.

10 A Boy Who Was Almost Beaten to Death

In 2010, a gang of four adult men viciously attacked a seven-year-old boy in Bangladesh. Okkhoy was playing in his family home when three other kids approached him. These older kids promised Okkhoy a treat if he agreed to complete a task with them. He reluctantly agreed and went along with his newfound friends. After a while, the boy decided to head back home. Four men emerged from nearby and grabbed him.

They demanded that he beg for money from passers-by, which Okkhoy declined and threatened to tell his father. His assailants hit his head with a huge brick. Even as he bled profusely, the men sliced a deep cut into the child’s torso and mutilated his genitalia. They left the boy for dead. Okkhoy’s mother found her child’s almost lifeless body lying in a pool of blood next to a warehouse. Okkhoy was rushed to hospital in a rickshaw. Despite zero chances of surviving his wounds, he managed to recover after three months in the intensive care unit.

9 ‘Skitching’ Gone Wrong

In van Buren, Indiana, and other parts of the country, it isn’t strange to see teenagers holding on to moving vehicles as they balance their skateboards. This is popularly known as ‘skitching.’ In 2014, this dangerous activity almost cost Randon Timmons his life. He was just 18 years old. While riding on his skateboard, Randon decided to give ‘skitching’ a try. As he clutched to the speeding vehicle, his skateboard hit a pothole in the road. The impact sent Randon in the air before hitting his head hard on the pavement.

By the time Randon arrived at the hospital, he had almost zero brain activity. Due to his head’s impact, he suffered an extreme case of brain swelling, and doctors had to remove most of his skull. According to the doctors, Randon had a minimal chance of making it through the night. However, his family wouldn’t give up on him. They stayed by the boy’s bedside. Miraculously, the boy’s condition quickly improved, and the doctors discharged him. How the young man managed to survive this severe brain trauma case is a plain case of medical miracles.

8 A Man Survived A Fall from The 47th Story Of A Building

Alcides and his younger brother Edgar had been washing windows of a tall building in Manhattan, New York, when they were involved in a horrific accident. The platform they were using to scale to the windows of the building’s 47th floor suddenly broke and dropped out of the sky. The two brothers fell to the ground. The impact killed Edgar on the spot. Amazingly, by the time rescuers arrived at the scene, Alcides was conscious and sitting upright in the alleyway.

By the time he arrived in the hospital, Alcides was barely conscious. He was bleeding profusely, and the scans revealed the worst. He suffered a severe brain injury, had broken a rib, both his legs and one arm. His spinal cord was badly injured. The doctors performed an emergency operation despite having no hopes that he would survive the accident. In the next few weeks, the doctors performed nine more operations on him. They were stunned when Alcides uttered his first words after the accident.

7 A Boy Who Recovered from Electrocution

9-year-old Elijah Belden was celebrating an early birthday party when he had a close encounter with death. Electrocution almost cost the young boy’s life after he grabbed a metal pole on his family house’s patio. Belden had gone outside to pose for a picture with a friend. He accidentally grabbed onto the round pole that supported the outdoor lighting of the house. It turns out that the metal structure had become electrified when electrical wires came into contact with its surface.

Electricity flowing within the surface of the pole electrocuted Belden, and he lost consciousness. Elijah miraculously woke from this coma after ten days of despair and uncertainty. He still had his memory intact and could even hold a conversation with the medical personnel. Doctors called his case a miracle since he didn’t show any signs of trauma or brain damage. Within two weeks, Elijah was capable of taking a stroll outside. A week later, the doctors sent him home to recover fully.

6 A Girl Who Survived Three Severe Cancers

Rachel Lozano spent most of her high school years battling an aggressive form of cancer and Askin’s tumor. She underwent several surgeries, including a bone marrow transplant. The doctor’s efforts paid off when the cancer went away for the second time. Rachel took her losses and small victories in a stride. However, she was devastated when the doctors informed her that her cancer had reappeared for the third time.

In a last-ditch effort, the doctors decided to perform one last attempt to remove the tumor. So, they took her to the operation room and began the surgery. They were perplexed and completely mystified after finding that the tumor had miraculously disappeared. There was not even a single trace of cancerous tissue in Rachel’s body. They stitched her up without doing anything. Rachel later confirmed that she had attended father William Chaminade’s honor ceremony and prayed for healing.

5 Luke Burgie

In 1998, Pope Francis proclaimed that a four-year-old boy’s recovery was a miracle. Doctors had diagnosed a mysterious illness in Luke Burgie that caused bouts of diarrhea. The young boy also experienced a sharp pain after ingesting anything. Luke’s parents sought the help of the medical personnel at Denver Hospital, but they too had no idea what was ailing the child. The boy’s condition deteriorated by the day. Luke was quickly losing weight. Out of desperation, Luke’s mother asked two nuns to pray for her young boy.

The nuns obliged and the prayer vigil lasted more than a week. Meanwhile, Luke’s doctor came up with a theory that only a hidden tumor could be ailing the boy. So they arranged a colonoscopy test for Luke. Having no other option, his family took him to the hospital for the test. However, when they arrived at the doctor’s table, Luke had completely healed. When doctors inquired what had happened, the mother explained how Luke had jumped from his sleep and joyfully announced he no longer felt any pain in his tummy. The doctors were awe-stricken. Many people were skeptical of the illness’s authenticity.

4 Elderly Woman Who Survived the H1N1 Virus

Lesley Bunning’s health was rapidly deteriorating, and her family decided to rush her to hospital in January 2014. After a few tests, doctors confirmed that she had contracted the H1N1 Virus. Her condition continued to deteriorate, and doctors had to medically induce a coma. They placed Lesley on life support. She stayed in the ICU for ten weeks as doctors tried their best to save her life. The only thing her family could hope for was a miracle.

The doctors did everything within their ability and knowledge to help Lesley breathe on her own again. They even sought the help of other doctors from different hospitals. This only proved futile. They began preparing her family to pull the plug on her since there wasn’t any hope that she would make it through on her own. Just when they were about to talk to her family, Lesley miraculously began to breathe on her own. The doctors removed her from the ventilator and only needed feeding tubes. Her doctors still recall her case as a medical miracle.

3 Man Wakes Up After Six Years

Neurosurgeons have long used brain stimulation to treat various brain traumas and illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease. However, this treatment proved very important for a man who had been in a vegetative state for six years after a brutal assault. The man’s family had long lost hope of the recovery of their loved one. During the six years, the man had not communicated, swallowed, or even made coordinated body movements.

Just as his family contemplated pulling the plug, a medical team decided to insert electrodes in his skull to stimulate the brain. They hoped this stimulation would trigger his dormant brain to function again. And they were right. The doctors scheduled him for surgery. The man who had not even blinked once in six years immediately began to show improvement after the doctors inserted the electrodes. Medical practitioners had never used this kind of treatment to treat brain damage. They were perplexed when it worked perfectly with this patient.

2 Recovery from A Stroke

Never in his life had Sam Schmid thought that his life would take the sudden turn it did after being involved in a horrific car accident. The accident took place in October 2011, and five cars were involved. The car that Schmid was traveling hit a light pole and rolled over. Rescuers airlifted him to the nearby hospital, where he was confirmed to have a broken left hand and two broken legs. As if this was not enough for him to deal with, doctors later discovered Schmid suffered a severe brain injury. The doctors operated on Schmid, and it resulted in a stroke.

However, when Robert Spetzler, a neurosurgeon, conducted an MRI scan on Schmid, it didn’t reveal any serious brain damage. So, Robert instinctively decided to keep him a little longer on life support. Against all odds, he was able to recover within a couple of weeks. By December, Sam Schmid had recovered so well that he could walk with a walker. However, Sam does not remember even a single bit of the horrific accident that almost killed him.

1 Abigail Kopf Recovered from A Head Shot

People still remember the February 20, 2016 shoot out by the Kalamazoo Uber gunman that left many people dead. From this shootout emerged an inspiring medical story. Abigail Kopf was one of the victims of the shootout. She suffered a headshot. It is common to hear of people who have recovered from gunshot wounds. However, it is not every day that you hear of a 14-year-old girl who survived a headshot. The doctors were about to harvest the young girl’s organs when she squeezed her mother’s thumb on her deathbed.

She recovered in just three months, making her story even more miraculous and inspirational. The fact that she survived after a close-range headshot makes her an inspiration to many. Today, Abigail leads the life of a normal young girl despite having a few mobility challenges.