Erika and Shannon Deering were paralyzed in car accident two years ago, but it hasn't stopped the Toronto sisters from taking part in the long journey towards getting their mobility back.
The pair left Pearson International Airport for China Sunday, to take part in controversial stem cell treatment currently unavailable in North America.
"Obviously we're dreaming of one day walking again, but realistically we're hoping to get the use of our hands back," said Erika.
The clinic is in Shenzhen, which is an hour from Hong Kong. The women have spent the last two years undergoing physiotherapy, which has provided modest improvements, but they feel they won't progress any further without the operation.
"As far as being worried, they're my only two daughters," said father Tony Deering.
"But everything looks to be as safe as possible and we're hoping for all the best."
Despite the fact that stem cell treatment isn't offered in the United States of Canada and has been the topic of much debate, the Deerings are confident China is their best option.
"The procedure seems to be yielding the most positive results," said Tony Deering.
"The girls are willing to give it shot, so that's where we're going."
Fellow GTA resident Cheryl Paget just recently
returned from the same clinic. Millions of stem cells were injected into her shattered back and now she has movement in her leg.
"It almost brought tears to my eyes," said Erika Deering on hearing of Paget's improvements.
"I just thought it was unbelievable and I hope we're in the same position."
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