Girl's Condition Improves After Treatment In China

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A Shepherdsville girl's condition is improving after only the first round of stem-cell treatment in China.

Watch The Story

Hailey Goranflo suffers from Batten's disease, which can't be cured here in the U.S.

Neil Goranflo, Hailey's father, said Chinese doctors are calling Hailey's case the worst case of Batten's they've seen.

"There's really no words to describe how I feel," said Goranflo. "Very excited. Just feel great."

Her parents said they've already started noticing some changes in her behavior. She's resting comfortably, breathing easier and showing some signs of improvement.

"She's trying to talk now. It's nothing we can understand. But she's actually vocalizing. And she hadn't vocalized in at least a month," said Goranflo.

She may not be able to speak, but physical and occupational therapists have been helping, and now, Hailey is able to express herself through emotion.

"She actually got mad at a physical therapist. She had physical therapy, and I think occupational therapy back to back one day, and the occupational therapist had her in an awkward position, and Hailey let her know she wasn't happy," said Goranflo. "Most parents wouldn't like to hear that, but we love it."

Although it will take several months before the Goranflos know if the stem-cell injections are working, they say these small signs make the trip to China worth it.

"Hailey wanted to go, so we had to go," he said. "She was fighting to go, so we had to do it. Couldn't give up."

Hailey isn't giving up on her fight to survive, either.

"She's still there," said her father. "She's fighting."

The Goranflos are trying to raise $250,000 for both of their children to each have three separate treatments.

The Council for Exceptional Children has organized a fundraiser on July 28 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at O'Shea's, Flanagan's and Brendan's. All proceeds will go to the Goranflo family.

Also, there's a Cute Kids contest on Aug. 2 at the Paroquet Springs Conference center in Shepherdsville. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and costs $50.

Donations can be made at any Fifth Third Bank branch.