Here is a another on Tori and her trip to China in the Salt Lake Tribune this morning. Again, this trip and many other of her treatments wouldn't be possible without all of the kind and generous donations to the Tori Schmanski Fund. Words cannot express our gratitude.

The Schmanski Family

Family seeks stem cell aid in China trek with pictures. Here is the Front Page picture as well.

Family seeks stem cell aid in China trek
U.S. research still mired in politics
By Carey Hamilton
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 01/09/2007 01:18:23 AM MST

OREM - As American politicians debate the ethics of stem cell therapy, an Orem couple is making plans to take their daughter to China to get treatment unavailable in the U.S.
Tori Schmanski, now 16, was left unable to speak or eat after a car accident in 2005. She spent 20 minutes under water after the car she was in ended up in a canal.
Her parents, Maria and Tim, hope their daughter can regain more function by getting millions of adult stem cells injected into her spine. They leave for China this week and will stay for 32 days.
"She's still here," said Tim Schmanski. "There's got to be a reason."
Facing restrictions from the Bush administration, funding for stem cell research is lagging in the U.S., proponents say, and other countries are far ahead with experiments and successes. With their new majority in Congress, House Democrats hope to swiftly pass legislation expanding the types of stem cell research that can be funded by the government.
Linda Kelley, director of the University of Utah's Stem Cell Laboratory, believes the Democrats' push will lead to more money for stem cell research. She supports stringent federal policies but also understands people's angst and desire to pursue treatment.
"I can entirely understand how a family would be frustrated and want to do something like that for their child," she said.

I read your story while researching stem cell treatment in China. Our son was injured in a car accident and is a c-6 quadreplegic due to a spinal chord injury. I just wanted to tell you how much I admire your courage and persistance and your love for your daughter. From what I've read of Tori, she is an amazing young lady and with the support of her family and friends she will get through this and as hard as it is to believe, you will all be stronger for it. I wish you great success on the incredible journey ahead!

Tim and family all of us are with you and Tori is making changes to more people than you will ever know. Tori is a stronge person and must of had some greats parents along the way. I will be waiting for any up dates your friend always.
Jerrall

After listening to your interview on KSL this morning I felt impressed to ask, has anyone talked to you about Reliv? If not we need to talk, ASAP.
We'll join the prayers for your beautiful Tori, and your wonderful strong faithful family.
Sincerely, Shaz

Here is a nice Deseret News article on Tori and her trip to China that released this morning. We want to emphasis again that this trip and many other of her treatments wouldn't be possible without all of the kind and generous donations to the Tori Schmanski Fund. We are very grateful and sincerely appreciate all of the support.

The Schmanski Family

Link to the article: Bringing Tori back with pictures.

Deseret Morning News, Monday, January 08, 2007

Bringing Tori back

Utah teen going to China for stem-cell treatment

By Alison Snyder
Deseret Morning News

A 30-hour flight to the other side of the world is the least of what the Schmanskis will do for their daughter.

Grandmother Sandy Schmanski, left, and dad Tim Schmanski aid Tori Schmanski. Tori was brain-injured in a car accident.

Mike Terry, Deseret Morning News
Especially if it will bring her back.

On Wednesday, Tim and Maria Schmanski will travel with their 16-year-old daughter, Tori, to Hangzhou, China, where she will receive stem cell treatment over a 32-day period at a Beike Biotechnology clinic.

"We're just trying to get more of the old Tori back," Tim Schmanski said.

One day can change everything

On June 19, 2005 — Father's Day — Tori was in a car with her younger sister and two cousins when the car rolled two times and landed upside down in a canal. Despite the water filling the interior, Tori was able to push her sister and cousin out of the submerged car but was not able to get herself out and remained trapped underwater for 15 minutes until rescuers arrived.

Tori had to be resuscitated twice on her way to the hospital. Her brain went without oxygen for an estimated 25 minutes, Tim Schmanski said.

Tori survived, and life has never been the same for the Schmanski family. Tori has brain damage — an anoxic brain injury, to be exact — leaving her unable to speak, eat or move her limbs. Her parents spent nine months with her in the hospital as she battled pneumonia, digestive problems, seizures and vomiting, switching nights sleeping in a chair at her side.

Tim and family we will be with you on the whole trip and Tori is making a great differance in many brain injury people's life. Tim I can not wait for the up dates you are doing a great thing for Tori and one day she will tell you. Take as many pictures as possibles. Talk to you soon.
Jerrall

Hi there!!

Only three days left before Tori and our adventure begins!! Tori's passport DID ARRIVE on Friday!! I immediately packaged it along with Maria and my passports and sent them overnight to our visa contact who received them Saturday and has already processed them as well!! She will be sending them via overnight mail on Monday so they should arrive Tuesday before 3:00pm. Everything seems to be in place but I'm still quite nervous because I still don't have all of the visas and passports in hand. We are cutting this far, far too close and there is zero margin or error at this point... I shudder at the thought of "What if I hadn't started this process so far in advance?!?!"...

Our living room is now the 'packing room' and there are 5 very large sized suitcases, 4 medium sized suitcases, 3 carry bags and a large backpack strewn across the floor. We are packing 175lbs of Tori's liquid Jevity food because it is unavailable in China. Of course some of that has to be carried onto the plane so Tori can eat during the travel time. Also in our hands will be all of her medications and other medical supplies. I have been in contact with the airlines and the TSA and have all of the proper documentation needed in hand so we 'should' not have any issues. Packing for a 32 day trip isn't easy and since there are numerous items we can't afford to forget we have created a large spreadsheet and will be checking off items as they are packed. I can just see the faces of the airline staff already when we pull into the airport in two cars, Tori and all of that heavy luggage :-)

Tori is remaining healthy and has been watching the packing exercise from her room since our living room sits directly across from it. We keep asking her her if she is ready for her trip to China but she is most attentive when we mention the stop in Paris along the way. Going to Paris was one of her dreams and it is too bad we will just be changing planes there this time... Touring Paris will have to wait for now.

Tori was also entertained by some more photographers and interviewers over the past couple days. Combined with the numerous visitors and well wishers she has been keeping very busy. She has to know something different and BIG is coming soon. Tori's recent media attention has brought us in contact with numerous other families and individuals in similar situations including several who are now scheduling for the same stem cell treatment in China. We are always very willing to share our knowledge and experiences with others who can hopefully provide the same information to us. Sharing and learning from others is vital to continued progress for Tori. We are quite open and will at the very least investigate ANY possible treatments or solutions that may help Tori. But that certainly doesn't mean we will act on them all. We know that we can always do more for Tori.

Brendan, Whitney and Grandpa and Grandma Schmanski are also getting prepared to maintain the home and daily activities. Maria and I have little worries because Brendan and Whitney are in the best hands they can possibly be in. But we are already missing them and we haven't left yet...

There was some more very encouraging stem cell news reported this week and here are two related articles: Report: Amniotic fluid yields stem cells and Human stem cells found in amniotic fluid: report

Thank you as always for your love, prayers and support.

The Schmanski Family

Tim,Maria and Tori: You Guys do not know me. I live in Mapleton Utah I am 20... I Check Tori's updates Daily. She is such a fighter. I can not believe how far she has came. I hope that your trip to China will continue her progression. One of my dear friends Jessica was in a accident and she is now suffering from (TBI) She also has a very inspiring Web Site it is www.prayforjessica.com
Tori is a beautiful girl. I have learned so much about TBI from your site and threw one of your links ( Micheal) I hope that the stem Cell will help tori just as much as it has Micheal, and the others that have made the long trip. I wish you the best. And i pray for your Family
Take Care, Whitney Wing

I just wanted to tell Maria how amazing she did on the News the other night. I was soooo proud of you!!!! You looked beautiful too! Just like Tori! Good things are going to happen this new year for all of you. Good luck in China, I will miss you!

Mare

Thank you for your recent message on Chelsea's website (www.prayforchelsea.com) I can't help but think what incredible, amazing young girls we have to be going through an experience like this. I too, believe the healing will happen! We have been praying for Tori and family since we found out about her. Yesterday, we too were at PCMC for a follow up appt. I wish we could have been there at the same time so we could have met. I think the girls would have a lot in common, and will one day enjoy talking to each other, whether it be about friends, dance, family or recovering from a brain injury. Best wishes to you as you travel to China. I hope she can recieve the best care possible, and be closer to recovery. She deserves it! Much love, thoughts and prayers. Wendy & Chelsea Franklin