Gordie Howe's family "thrilled" at results of hockey legend's stem cell treatment in Mexico

The family of Gordie Howe today released a statement further detailing the improvements the Detroit Red Wings legend has made over the past few weeks.

Son Mark Howe told the Free Press on Thursday that Gordie Howe "isn't so much walking as shuffling about."

Gordie Howe is 86 and has severe dementia. He has suffered a series of mini-strokes since summer, and suffered a serious one Oct. 26. At the start of this month, Gordie Howe was unresponsive for 30 minutes, leading to hospitalization. He has since returned to live with his daughter in Lubbock, Texas.

From the family's statement:

On December 8, Mr. Hockey underwent a two-day, non-surgical treatment at Novastem's medical facility. The treatment included neural stem cells injected into the spinal canal on Day 1 and mesenchymal stem cells by intravenous infusion on Day 2. His response was truly miraculous. At the end of Day 1 he was walking with minimal effort for the first time since his stroke. By Day 2 he was conversing comfortably with family and staff at the clinic.

On the third day, he walked to his seat on the plane under his own power. By Day 5 he was walking unaided and taking part in helping out with daily household chores. When tested, his ability to name items has gone from less than 25 percent before the procedure to 85 percent today. His physical therapists have been astonished. Although his short-term memory, strength, endurance and coordination have plenty of room for improvement, we are hopeful that he will continue to improve in the months to come.

As a family, we are thrilled that Dad's quality of life has greatly improved, and his progress has exceeded our greatest expectations.