Norman Family Fundraises for Benji’s Second Stem Cell Round

November 7, 2026 Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor Health

Norman Mother Raises Funds for Second Round of Stem Cell Care After Son Diagnosed With Cerebral Palsy

Cassey Ashby and her relatives in Norman are launching a second fundraising campaign for three-year-old Benji, who has cerebral palsy, as his mother notes better mobility following therapy and stem cell procedures. News 9 reported that Cassey Ashby is currently fundraising for a new round of treatment for her son, who sustained a brain injury at birth and received his diagnosis at six months old.

    Key Clinical Takeaways:

  • Benji Ashby, a three-year-old diagnosed with cerebral palsy at six months, is the subject of a second fundraising push for stem cell treatment and Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI).
  • A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy evaluated thirteen randomized controlled studies and reported improvements in Gross Motor Function Measure scores for treatment groups.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that its approved stem cell products are limited to blood-forming cells derived from umbilical cord blood for disorders affecting blood production, not cerebral palsy.

Progress Reported After Initial Interventions

Ashby credited Benji’s recent progress to an initial round of stem cell treatment followed by Dynamic Movement Intervention, known as DMI. Before the therapy, Ashby stated that her son struggled with muscle spasms, muscle tightness, and using his hands. In accounts detailed by News 9, she described observing cognitive growth alongside her son managing exercises that previously proved difficult.

The family’s first round of stem cell treatment and intensive therapy was estimated to cost upwards of $30,000. A GoFundMe page established for Benji successfully raised those funds, which included occupational therapy intensives, travel, lodging, and related expenses.

Fundraising Goals for Ongoing Care

Ashby is now working to raise roughly $20,000 more for a second round of stem cells and DMI. Per local reporting, the family has secured $10,000 so far. The current campaign targets donations of $1,000 a week through forty individual $25 contributions.

Alongside the fundraising efforts, Ashby maintains a TikTok presence with more than 100,000 followers. She stated that she uses the platform to connect with other families and to celebrate each new ability rather than focusing entirely on major developmental milestones.

Evaluating the Clinical Evidence

The treatments cited by the family remain under active clinical investigation. The 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis in Stem Cell Research & Therapy included thirteen randomized controlled studies and found that stem cell therapy remarkably improved Gross Motor Function Measure scores in the treatment group. However, the study authors emphasized the need for further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols.

A separate review published in Translational Pediatrics indicated that umbilical cord-derived stem cell therapies may offer modest motor function improvements in children with cerebral palsy. That review cautioned that current evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, study heterogeneity, and short follow-up periods, classifying the therapies as experimental.

Regarding DMI, the NAPA Center acknowledges that published evidence evaluating its effectiveness is currently limited. Broader literature notes that DMI and related techniques like Cuevas Medek Exercises rely primarily on anecdotal support, lacking a foundation in established neurophysiological research or motor learning principles.

Regulatory Position on Stem Cell Approvals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains that American-approved stem cell therapies consist strictly of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic cells meant exclusively for blood-related conditions—and not alternative medical applications. The agency states that its approved uses do not include treatment for cerebral palsy.

No independent medical records verify the family’s account of Benji’s progress, and existing research does not speak directly to his specific case. Ashby continues her fundraising campaign for a second round of stem cell treatment and DMI.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.

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