Tag Archives: MC2015

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/manhattan-basketball-torgrim-sommerfeldt
-turned-stem-cell-treatment-back-court-article-1.1025227

Manhattan basketball’s Torgrim Sommerfeldt turned to stem cell treatment to get him back on court
Sophomore forward from Norway has Jaspers flying high
By Sean Brennan / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS {{JR: Brennan, Sean [MC1997]}}
Saturday, February 18, 2012, 11:09 PM

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From a young age, Torgrim Sommerfeldt set his sights on chasing his sports dream, one that had nothing to do with skiing, bobsledding or speed skating, winter sport staples in his native Drammen, Norway.

The 6-6 Sommerfeldt wanted to follow his two brothers and sister to the United States, soak up the college experience, and play a little college hoops along the way.

“It’s been my dream since I was 10 years old, especially to come to America,” says Sommerfeldt, a sophomore forward at Manhattan College. “I watched my brothers and sister go to the University of Missouri on track and field scholarships. When I was young I got a taste of what college life was like here and it was something I wanted to experience.”

Sommerfeldt didn’t know at the time that for his American dream to come true, he would eventually need to turn to a new and, in some circles, controversial, treatment: stem cells.

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“It really was now or never for me,” Sommerfeldt says. “I don’t think mentally I could sit out another year.”

With that mindset, Maddalo contacted Dr. Steven Victor from Lenox Hill Hospital, who is also CEO of Intellicell BioSciences Inc., in New York City.

Victor’s process amounts to harvesting fat cells from a patient and separating stem cells from the fat. It’s a procedure similar but not exactly like the one former Yankees pitcher Bartolo Colon underwent prior to the 2011 season.

“What we do is take two ounces of fat from people and then we use our special technology, we use sound waves and water, where we actually separate the stem cells from the fat,” Victor says. “Then we return the stem cells to the orthopedic surgeons, in this case Tony Maddalo, and they inject the cells into where the problem is. These cells are actually anti-inflammatory and they increase blood flow and grow new tissue.”

Colon’s procedure included using the addition of enzymes, which is not approved by the FDA and can only be performed outside the country, according to Victor.

Sommerfeldt’s first treatment came in December of 2010, his second one about six weeks later.
Sommerfeldt didn’t notice any changes right away and, due to the meniscus surgery and stress fracture, says it was hard to tell when the pain in his knees started to subside.

But after spending almost the entire 2010-11 school year on crutches, Sommerfeldt finally got into his first college game on Jan. 20 when Manhattan played at Marist.

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[JR: Long well written article. If you didn't want to study (adult) stem cells after reading this, you must have NO imagination. Great story of courage. Finding a way. And, brilliant science. Of course, the Gooferment's FDA is in the way. ROFL! Applause for all involved for improving the human condition. Ethically.]

Brennan, Sean [MC1997]

Sommerfeldt, Torgrim [MC2015?]

# – # – # – # – #  2012-Feb-19 @ 09:47

http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Elist-9407.112114-9516.112114-Eagle-Scout-project.html

Eagle Scout project

An Eagle Court of Honor celebrating the achievement of Daniel Hussey of East Northport, Boy Scout Troop 125’s 87th Eagle Scout, was held on Jan. 7 at the Commack United Methodist Church. For his Eagle Project, Daniel designed, built and installed five historical interpretive signs for the Smithtown Historical Society in Smithtown. These signs can be found in front of the Roseneath Cottage, the Epenetus Smith Tavern, the Judge J. Lawrence Smith Homestead, the Franklin O. Arthur Farm House and the Brush Barn. They will help visitors better understand the historical buildings and their significance in the history of Long Island. Daniel’s project aids the Smithtown Historical Society in their commitment to the preservation, restoration and interpretation of Long Island’s heritage for the education and enjoyment of all who visit. A total of 363.8 hours was logged into the project by Daniel, 23 additional youths and 14 adults from the planning stage through its completion. About why he chose this project, Daniel said, “The project gave me the opportunity to lead boys in research, planning, construction and installation of the signs. I also felt it was a worthwhile project that would inform visitors to the history of Long Island and the Smithtown Historical Society.”

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Daniel just finished his first semester at Manhattan College where he is majoring in civil engineering. He is a graduate of Commack High School, where he had the distinction of graduating with an International Baccalaureate Diploma (a highly regarded worldwide recognized achievement, a program that only a few districts throughout Long Island offer and from that only a very small percentage of students earn this achievement). He was also a member of the cross country, winter and spring track teams and was a varsity member since his sophomore year.

Daniel is pictured at left with the sign he designed, created and installed in front of the Frank Brush Barn Cottage for the Smithtown Historical Society. Photo courtesy of Daniel’s Aunt, Carole Eng

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Hussey, Daniel [MC2015?]

# – # – # – # – #  2012-Jan-27 @ 10:09

http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011109210360

Sept. 11 attacks inspired teen to volunteer at memorial, pursue politics
7:42 PM, Sep. 21, 2011
Written by Nicole C. Brambila

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“I just sat there almost hypnotized by watching what was happening,” said Alvarez, a 2011 Xavier College Preparatory High School graduate whose family lives near PGA West in La Quinta.

“9/11 got him interested in politics,” said Leticia Alvarez, who noted that he has dreams one day of becoming president. “Frankie wants to change the world and make it better for people.”

In August, Alvarez moved to New York to attend school at Manhattan College, where he is studying philosophy.

“I’m walking in the footsteps of alumni lost,” Alvarez said.

Manhattan College is a private Christian school in Riverdale, an upscale suburban neighborhood near Manhattan. In 2001, the college lost 20 staff members and students in the attacks, according to the school’s website.

With his keen interest in the attacks, it’s only fitting that Alvarez would one day return.

Today, Alvarez is a volunteer at the National September 11 Memorial, an 8-acre tribute to the victims of 9/11 as well as the six people killed in the 1983 bombing of the World Trade Center.

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Alvarez, Frankie [MC2015]

# – # – # – # – # 2011-Sep-22 @ 09:05