Alberto’s Journey: A Father’s Hope for His Son’s Future
Patient Demographics
- Name: Alberto
- Residence: Lisbon, Portugal
- Diagnosis: Autism (for his son)
- Treatment: Stem Cell Treatment for Autism
- Treatment Country: Turkey
- Clinic: You Clinic
- Facilitator: PlacidWay
A Father’s Dream: Giving His Son the Best Life Possible
Alberto had always dreamed of raising his son, Lucas, with the same joy and freedom he had experienced in his own childhood. Living in Lisbon, Portugal, he and his wife, Sofia, had built a loving home, full of warmth, laughter, and dreams for the future.
But as Lucas grew older, they noticed differences. He wasn’t speaking like other children his age. He avoided eye contact, seemed lost in his own world, and struggled with things that came naturally to others. When he was finally diagnosed with autism, it was both a relief and a heartbreak. They finally had answers, but they also knew their journey was only beginning.
"All I ever wanted was for my son to have a chance at life—to communicate, to connect, to be happy. But with every doctor’s visit, I felt like we were running out of options."
The Struggle to Find Treatment in Portugal
Alberto and Sofia did everything they could—speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education programs. Some things helped, but progress was painfully slow. Doctors in Portugal told them that autism had no cure, only management strategies. The idea of their son never being able to express his feelings, make friends, or live independently was unbearable.
They looked into advanced treatments, but Portugal had very few options when it came to stem cell treatment for autism. The few specialists they spoke to either dismissed it or told them it was too experimental. Meanwhile, time was passing, and Lucas was growing older.
"I felt trapped. I read about children making progress with stem cell therapy in other countries, but here, it wasn’t even an option. It was like being told to accept the future as it was, and I couldn’t do that."
Searching for a Miracle Beyond Borders
One night, after another exhausting day of researching treatments, Alberto stumbled upon stories of parents who had traveled abroad for stem cell treatment in Turkey. The testimonials were mixed—some had seen major improvements, others saw smaller changes—but for Alberto, even the possibility of giving Lucas a better life was enough to keep searching.
The idea of traveling for treatment was overwhelming. Would it work? Was it safe? Could they afford it? Would it be a waste of time? The doubts were endless, but so was their determination.
"I kept thinking—what if it doesn’t work? But then, another voice in my head said—what if it does? Could I really live with myself if I didn’t even try?"
Finding PlacidWay: A Ray of Hope
After weeks of research, Alberto came across PlacidWay, a platform that connected patients with leading medical centers worldwide. Their platform listed clinics that specialized in stem cell treatment in Turkey, and for the first time, he felt like he wasn’t alone in this search.
PlacidWay helped him connect with You Clinic, which had experienced doctors and real success stories from families facing the same struggles. After speaking with the clinic and hearing about their approach, he and Sofia finally felt hopeful.
"For the first time, we weren’t hitting dead ends. PlacidWay made everything clearer, and when we spoke to the clinic, we knew we were making the right decision."
Preparing for the Journey: A Leap of Faith
Making the decision was one thing, but preparing for the trip was another challenge. The cost of the treatment was significant, and they had to rely on savings and family support. Leaving behind their home and routines was nerve-wracking, but the biggest worry was Lucas himself—how would he handle the travel? Would he be scared? Would he understand what was happening?
Sofia packed familiar toys, snacks, and his favorite blanket, hoping it would bring him comfort. The night before their flight, Alberto lay awake, wondering if they were making the right choice. But deep down, he knew they had to try.
"I was terrified. But more than that, I was hopeful. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a chance to change our son’s life."
Arriving in Turkey: A New Sense of Confidence
When they arrived in Turkey, Alberto and Sofia were immediately struck by the hospitality and warmth of the people. The country was different from home, but the kindness they encountered reassured them.
At You Clinic, the staff was welcoming, understanding, and experienced in working with children like Lucas. The doctors explained the entire process in detail, answering every question with patience.
The facility was modern, clean, and equipped with the latest technology. Seeing other families there, some already completing their treatments, gave them hope that they were in the right place.
"Meeting the doctors, seeing the clinic—it felt real. For the first time in a long time, I felt like we had a real chance."
Undergoing Stem Cell Treatment: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The procedure itself was both exciting and terrifying. The doctors extracted stem cells and reintroduced them into Lucas’s body to promote neurological development. The process was painless, but the waiting afterward was the hardest part.
Would it work? Would they see changes? They had read that results could take weeks or months to appear. Every day, they watched for small signs—eye contact, new sounds, a reaction to his name.
"Every little moment felt like a victory. The wait was agonizing, but we held on to hope."
The Road to Recovery: Small Steps, Big Changes
After the treatment, Lucas seemed calmer. A few weeks later, he started making more eye contact. Then came small gestures—pointing at things he wanted, reacting more to his parents’ voices. It wasn’t a miracle cure, but it was progress. And for Alberto and Sofia, progress was everything.
Back home in Lisbon, Lucas continued therapy, and they noticed even more changes. His focus improved, his meltdowns became less frequent, and he even attempted new words.
"The first time Lucas looked me in the eyes and said 'Papa'—I broke down in tears. This journey was worth everything."
Returning Home: A Renewed Sense of Hope
When they returned home, family and friends immediately noticed the difference in Lucas. He was still the same boy, but there was something new—more awareness, more connection. The journey hadn’t been easy, and there was still a long road ahead, but for the first time, they felt like they were moving in the right direction.
"We didn’t expect a miracle, but we got something even better—hope. And that’s the greatest gift we could ever give our son."
A Message to Other Parents: Don’t Give Up
If there was one thing Alberto wanted to tell other parents in his situation, it was this—don’t let fear hold you back. The journey may seem daunting, but if there’s a chance to help your child, it’s worth taking.
"No parent should ever have to feel helpless. If you’re searching for answers, don’t stop. Keep looking, keep fighting. PlacidWay helped us find a way when we thought there wasn’t one."
Your Child Deserves a Chance – Explore Stem Cell Treatment in Turkey with PlacidWay
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. If you’re looking for alternative treatments for autism, Turkey is becoming a leading destination for stem cell therapy, offering advanced medical care at affordable costs.
Start your journey today with PlacidWay. Because hope is just one step away.
Disclaimer: This is a personal story shared to inspire others considering medical tourism. Experiences and results may vary for each individual. Always consult a medical professional before making any health-related decisions.