Update on Deanna’s Progress – 2025
Dear friends and family,
As we close the chapter on another year, I am thrilled to share that Deanna’s ALS remains in remission, with no progression of the disease—a milestone that continues to defy expectations. Since identifying the underlying cause of her condition in 2015—a Borrelia infection—Deanna’s health has been stabilized with targeted treatments. Thanks to the Deanna Protocol and breakthroughs in understanding this disease, we’ve made strides that once seemed impossible.
Deanna’s Progress in 2025
Since we last shared her journey, Deanna has undergone significant advancements in her treatment. Autologous stem cell therapy, which was put on hold during the pandemic, has resumed and has been combined with intensive neurorehabilitation. Over the past three years, Deanna has completed several rounds of intensive occupational therapy and neuroplasticity training. This comprehensive approach has led to:
- Increased muscle mass and strength in her upper body.
- Notable improvements in dynamic movements and endurance.
Despite these gains, the improvements have yet to restore full independence. Our focus remains on integrating stem cell therapy with advanced therapies to push the boundaries of recovery further.
New Insights into Stem Cell Therapy
From our experiences and collaborations with other physicians, we’ve observed that autologous stem cell treatments work exceptionally well for repairing upper motor neuron and brain deficits but are less effective for spinal cord and lower motor neuron damage.
To address this gap, we’ve begun exploring nerve growth factor therapies derived from human nerve cells. While initial trials conducted without bacterial suppression were unsuccessful, our team is committed to advancing this technology with the proper infection control protocols in place.
Deanna received autologous stem cells derived from her adipose tissue. These cells are multipotent (mesenchyme stem cells ) MSC which are efficient for bone, ligaments and tendon but not nerve regeneration. Her cells were converted to IPSC (induced pluripotent stem cells) which are efficient for nerve regeneration. Her cells are now in the lab at UCF and being analyzed to determine the pathology and how they can be corrected.
Over the past 10 years every ALS patient who has had stem cells administered, all modalities, has not had their ALS curtailed b/c the borrelia infection kills the new cells also. So it is extremely important to eliminate or at least suppress the infection with appropriate treatment protocols and enhance immune system function.
Reaffirming the Bacterial Connection
Over the past decade, growing evidence has reinforced our belief that ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases are linked to bacterial infections, most commonly species of Borrelia and their co-infections. This connection has been further validated through:
- Specialized testing: Advanced diagnostics from labs like IGeneX and Armin Labs reveal consistent bacterial presence in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.
- Positive treatment outcomes: Patients who receive proper antibiotic protocols often experience halted disease progression and, in some cases, partial recovery.
These findings have expanded beyond ALS to conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, and fibromyalgia. The pattern is clear: neurodegeneration often starts with an underlying bacterial infection.
Challenges and Resistance
Despite these breakthroughs, resistance within the medical community and insurance industry remains significant. Physicians are hesitant to embrace new ideas that challenge the status quo, and insurance companies often refuse to cover the long-term antibiotic treatments necessary for progress.
As a retired physician and a father, I approach this issue differently. For me, it is deeply personal. The stakes are too high to adhere to outdated protocols when credible evidence points to more effective solutions.
Deanna’s Legacy and the Path Forward
Over the past three years, Deanna’s story has inspired countless individuals facing neurodegenerative diseases to seek specialized testing and treatment. This ripple effect has led to improved outcomes for many, but there is still much work to be done.
Moving forward, we aim to:
- Fund in vitro research to further investigate bacterial causes of neurodegeneration and identify the most effective treatments.
- Advocate for better access to specialized testing and treatment protocols, particularly for tick-borne diseases.
- Educate the medical community about the upstream causes of these diseases, shifting focus from symptom management to root-cause resolution.
Your Support Matters
Thanks to your donations, we have been able to fund critical research and support others in their fight against ALS and related diseases. Every contribution makes a difference, allowing us to challenge the status quo and bring hope to families facing these devastating conditions.
Your tax-deductible donations to Winning the Fight (WFND) directly support research efforts aimed at uncovering the upstream causes of neurodegeneration. Together, we can pave the way for a future where proper testing, treatment, and prevention are standard practices—not exceptions.
A Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Imagine a world where neurodegenerative diseases are preventable, where every patient receives proper testing, and where no family has to endure the heartbreak of watching a loved one suffer unnecessarily. This is the future we are fighting for—one step at a time.
Thank you for standing with us in this journey. Your support fuels our mission, and we are forever grateful for your contributions, encouragement, and belief in a better tomorrow.
Wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2025,
Vince Tedone, MD, FAAOS, FACS, FICS
Clinical Professor Orthopedics, University of South Florida (Retired)
Team Physician, University of South Florida (Retired)
Medical Director, Winning the Fight (WFND)