Patient Details:
Name: Bart Dinin
Residence: United States
Diagnosis: Degenerative Eye Disease
Treatment: Stem Cell Treatment for Eye Diseases
Treatment Country: Mexico
Clinic: Visani Stem Cell Clinic
“I Thought I Was Losing More Than My Sight”
Before everything changed, Bart Dinin lived a peaceful life in a quiet suburb of the United States. He was a retired schoolteacher with a deep love for books, woodworking, and fishing. His world revolved around the small things — helping his granddaughter with her homework, spending Sundays watching football, and driving out to the lake just before dawn.
But over the past few years, Bart began to notice something slipping — not just his eyesight, but his independence. The once-crisp edges of the world blurred into a constant haze. Reading became a strain. Driving was no longer safe. Even recognizing faces turned into a guessing game.
His diagnosis: a degenerative eye disease, slow and unrelenting.
“I just wanted to live a normal life again — to read to my granddaughter without struggling, to see the expression on my wife’s face when she smiled. But it felt like that part of my life was fading away.”
“I Felt Invisible in My Own Country’s Healthcare System”
Bart’s first instinct was to seek help at home. He met with countless ophthalmologists, retinal specialists, and general practitioners. But every visit ended the same: “There’s no cure. We can slow it down, but that’s all.” The treatments offered were expensive, short-term, and often had side effects.
The most promising options — advanced stem cell therapy — were either locked behind clinical trials or came with an astronomical price tag that insurance wouldn’t touch. Even the thought of going blind felt more realistic than affording $40,000 for an experimental procedure.
“I felt hopeless. Like I was slowly going blind and nobody was going to do anything about it unless I had a fortune to spend. It broke something inside me.”
“Could There Be Hope Somewhere Else?”
One night, unable to sleep, Bart started searching the internet for stories — anyone, anywhere, who had faced something like this and found a way through it. That’s when he started seeing stories of people traveling abroad for stem cell treatments.
The idea was intimidating. Mexico? What if it was unsafe? What if it didn’t work? What if he wasted what little savings he had left? He was skeptical and afraid. But something about the testimonials gave him a flicker of courage.
“I didn’t know what I was looking for… just some kind of hope. But every page I read, every story I saw, made me think — maybe, just maybe, there was still a way to fight this.”
“PlacidWay Opened a Door I Thought Was Shut Forever”
It was through one of those late-night searches that Bart discovered PlacidWay. He filled out a quick form, half expecting never to hear back. But within a day, a patient coordinator reached out. Kind. Patient. Informed.
PlacidWay guided him through options tailored specifically for his condition and budget. They didn’t pressure him. They just listened, answered questions, and connected him to Visani Stem Cell Clinic in Mexico — a respected facility with a track record of success in treating degenerative eye conditions.
“Speaking with PlacidWay felt like finally being seen — like someone was willing to walk this path with me. They didn’t promise miracles. They gave me information, support, and options. That was enough to help me believe again.”
“Leaving Home Was the Hardest Part”
The treatment cost was $14,500 — significantly less than in the U.S., but still a large sum for Bart. His family pitched in. He dipped into his savings. Friends even set up a small fundraiser. Every dollar came with words of love and support.
The days before the trip were filled with anxiety. What if something went wrong? What if he didn’t understand the language or customs? His wife held his hand tightly at the airport, tears in her eyes as she whispered, “Go get your vision back.”
“It felt like every step took all the strength I had. I wasn’t just scared of the trip — I was scared of hope. What if it didn’t work? What if I let everyone down?”
“I Walked Into That Clinic and Finally Breathed Again”
Stepping off the plane in Mexico was surreal. But when he arrived at Visani Stem Cell Clinic, all the nerves began to settle. The facility was modern, clean, and welcoming. The staff greeted him with warmth and professionalism. Every process was explained, every concern addressed.
Dr. Alvarez, his specialist, took extra time to explain the treatment plan and set realistic expectations. He never sugar-coated anything, but he gave Bart something he hadn’t had in years — belief.
“I remember thinking, ‘This is it. This is where I turn the page.’ Dr. Alvarez looked me in the eye and said, ‘We’re going to do everything we can.’ And I believed him.”
“The Treatment Was a Storm of Emotions”
The stem cell therapy itself was carefully planned. Bart underwent a series of minimally invasive injections around the eye area. The procedure was uncomfortable but manageable. More than the physical aspect, it was the emotional weight that hit hardest.
There were days when he doubted everything, when progress felt invisible. But the clinic staff became more than just medical professionals — they became a second family. They checked on him constantly, encouraged him, even prayed with him.
“Lying there with my eyes bandaged, not knowing what tomorrow would look like — literally — was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I knew I wasn’t alone.”
“I Opened My Eyes, and the World Had Changed”
Recovery was slow but steady. Each day, Bart noticed subtle changes — colors looked sharper, shadows became more defined. He could read larger print again. He could follow movement. For the first time in years, he saw the outline of his granddaughter’s face clearly.
The moment that broke him was simple: he read a page from his favorite novel without squinting.
“I just sat there crying. Not because I was healed, but because I was healing. That moment meant more than anything.”
“I Came Home with New Eyes — and a New Heart”
Returning home was emotional. His wife cried the second she saw the difference in his gaze. His granddaughter ran into his arms with a new book to read. Life wasn’t just back — it was beginning again.
He still has follow-ups and knows this isn’t a cure, but it’s more than he ever thought he’d have again.
“I used to stare into darkness and wonder what I’d lose next. Now, I wake up and think about what I’ll see today. I’m not just living — I’m seeing life.”
“If You're Scared — That’s Okay. Just Don’t Stay There.”
To others struggling with health conditions and no answers at home, Bart has a simple message:
“You’re allowed to be afraid. I was terrified. But don’t let fear keep you from hope. PlacidWay helped me find a path when I thought I’d hit a wall. If you're stuck, if you're losing faith — don’t stop searching. Help might be closer than you think.”
Looking for life-changing care beyond borders? Let PlacidWay guide you toward new possibilities. Your journey to healing starts with a single step.
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.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Share this listing