Don Ho Recovering From Stem Cell Procedure

AP on Yahoo ^ | 12/6/05 | Jaymes Song - ap

[NormsRevenge]

HONOLULU - Legendary Hawaiian crooner Don Ho was recovering Tuesday at a hospital in Thailand after undergoing an experimental stem cell procedure on his ailing heart.

Ho, 75, known for his signature tune "Tiny Bubbles," underwent a new treatment that has not been approved in the United States. It involves multiplying stem cells taken from his blood and injecting them into his heart in hopes of strengthening the organ, according to Ed Brown, a close friend.

After the treatment, Ho's vital signs were excellent, but he remained seriously ill and was in the hospital's intensive care unit, Brown said in a telephone interview from his home in Malibu, Calif.

Ho, who has entertained tourists for more than four decades, has suffered from heart problems for about a year and had a pacemaker implanted a few months ago.

In August, Ho was admitted to a hospital with shortness of breath. He was treated for an abnormal heart rhythm and released after three days. He soon returned to his Waikiki show on a reduced schedule.

"He felt well enough, but his pacer sometimes would go off in his chest and scare the hell out of him," Brown said. "That's a difficult thing to live with right in the middle of 'Tiny Bubbles.'"

Ho spokeswoman Donna Jung said Ho hopes to return to the stage soon. He is expected to return from Bangkok in about two weeks.

The procedure Ho underwent was developed by TheraVitae Co., which has offices in Thailand and laboratories in Israel, where Ho's stem cells were sent to be multiplied.

Dr. Robb MacLellan, associate professor of cardiology at the University of California at Los Angeles, said a similar stem cell treatment has been used in Europe for a couple of years. Studies approved by the Food and Drug Administration are being conducted in the United States.

Besides "Tiny Bubbles," Ho's other hits include "I'll Remember You," "With All My Love" and the "Hawaiian Wedding Song."

___

On the Net:

Don Ho: http://donho.com

[NormsRevenge]

Don Ho, right, gets a kiss from a fan after his nightly show at the Waikiki Beachcomer Hotel in this June 24, 2004, file photo in Honolulu. Ho, 75, known for his signature tune 'Tiny Bubbles,' is recovering at a hospital in Thailand, Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005, after undergoing an experimental stem cell procedure on his ailing heart. The treatment, which has not been approved in the United States, involves multiplying stem cells taken from his blood and injecting them into his heart in hopes of strengthening the organ, according to agent Ed Brown, a close Ho friend. (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni, file)

[MinuteGal]

What is the source of these stem cells......anyone know?

Leni

[Dog Gone]

I wish him well, but when you're resorting to experimental medicine, it's because the mainstream doctors have told you that there's nothing more they can do.

[atomicpossum]

In the spirit of the season, wish you a hearty ho-ho-ho, Ho.

[Ramius]

How many times has this dude sung "Tiny Bubbles" anyway...? How'd you like to live your life with only one song that anybody wants to hear you sing?

Prayers up.

[ElkGroveDan]

It involves multiplying stem cells taken from his blood and injecting them into his heart in hopes of strengthening the organ

What? This can't be! We were told that we have to kill babies for stem cell cures. We're not being lied to are we?

[Dog Gone]

The article seemed fairly definitive.

It involves multiplying stem cells taken from his blood and injecting them into his heart

[This Just In]

You obviously don't know much about Don Ho. Tiny Bubbles may be one hit, but the man is a fantastic entertainer. He can pack 'em in during his shows.

[LasVegasMac]

1986 - Halikoha (sp?) Hotel - the military one (House of the Warrior) - wife and I saw his act. Great. Considering how many times he had done that routine, he was really nice to the "tourists". Shaking hands, signing anything, taking pictures, talking, etc. - he took all the time the audience wanted.

BTW, I saw way too many tiny bubbles that night.

LVM

[Ramius]

Well... you're right... I don't know much about Don Ho.

I'm perfectly happy to believe that he's a great entertainer.

[MinuteGal]

Duh....time for me to hit the hay. Thanks.

Leni

[Ben Hecks]

1986 - Halikoha (sp?) Hotel - the military one (House of the Warrior) - wife and I saw his act.

Ditto........except 1968 ;>)

[Roverman2K]

Never know. Pushing the envelope.....
experimental today routine tomorrow

[Liberfighter]

True. Don Ho is Hawaii.

[weegee]

BUMP

More stories like this (that disclose the source of the cells) could stem the tide of the pro-abort arguments....

[emiller]

Sure he can. he's a good guy. I hope something comes of this treatment, but with all last-ditch attempts, it's probably too late to do any good. Prayers just the same. Go Don.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

We're in very early days with stem cell therapies. Hopefully some good will come to Don Ho and others undergoing these first attempts, and the scientists are bound to learn from them.

[jackibutterfly]

What do you mean??? I LOVE that song, and I LOVE hearing HIM singing it. I'm serious! I love Don Ho. I always thought he had a great voice.

[American Vet Repairman]

Tiny stem cells-in my blood!