One small step for Darek Fidyka, one giant leap for humankind.

Darek Fidyka was paralyzed after being stabbed in the back several times. But, he has recently become able to walk with the use of a frame. Stem cell researchers used cells from his nose to generate nerves in his spinal cord.

It is impossible to say who is happier, the researchers who are not seeking a profit from this breakthrough or the first man who has had actual cells in his spinal cord regenerate giving him back the precious ability to walk and hopefully someday regain his independence. I know what it's like to have that breakthrough in research, nothing scientific mind you, but still when you are tracking down sources for a paper and you find that right one it's magic. I also know what it's like to lose functions and then get them back even if it's not as good as before it's very gratifying. When my symptoms of Chronic Fatigue first manifested I lost the ability to concentrate long enough to read even one page in a book. I can read a few short chapters now. I used to be able to read a book a day. So, there is that. This is one of those stories where I wish I had been there.

Of course I am also curious as to what other problems this can solve. Parkinsons perhaps? The article doesn't say I am just spit balling here.  This is the kind of thing I see bringing people together to solve a problem. Someone has a breakthrough now a lot of other people are going to want to see what else can be done. I hope this means more money for research and that it also means more people coming together from other countries and various backgrounds to solve medical problems that have a debilitating effect on people's lives. Whatever the outcome this story should bring hope to everyone. Especially to people who are paralyzed, their families, and their friends. It should bring hope to other people who will eventually benefit from stem cell research. But, it should bring hope to us all, because this isn't just about Darek Walking again which is absolutely a great thing. It is about triumph of the goodness in humanity, the drive to help others, the drive to overcome all odds. This is the essence of an epic story.