By Carmen Rodgers
With medical technology constantly evolving, doctors and medical professionals are making daily advancements. However, even with cutting-edge developments, not everyone has access to these services. That’s why a dedicated group of veterans has set out to bridge the gap in access to care. Kevin Gray, Ben Hosbein, and Luke Sicilia are working tirelessly to support fellow veterans in need of this groundbreaking treatment.
Gray was faced with a tough medical crossroads of his own, and that is what sparked something bigger—a mission, a purpose, a drive to help others going through the same.
“It got to the point where I had already had multiple surgeries and was facing a major surgery. When I asked about recovery, the surgeon said it would be 12 months,” Gray said.
Because the thought of a year-long recovery was daunting, he began to seek alternatives to surgery.
“It was more mental than physical,” Gray said. “The thought of being laid up that long. That’s when I came across a place in Texas, which we are now partnered with, called Ways2Well. That’s where we send all of our veterans.”
Ways2Well is a functional and regenerative medicine clinic offering personalized health services through telehealth consultations. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the clinic provides a range of treatments aimed at optimizing overall wellness.
After receiving stem cell treatment at Was2Well, Gray knew he had to help others get the same level of care. That’s how Jump into Wellness was formed in 2023. The non-profit organization aims to connect veterans with medical professionals outside of the VA’s scope of care.
“The VA won’t cover this. We are looking at chronic pain due to injuries sustained in service. They look at it (stem cell therapy) as speculative or experimental,” Gray explained.
The VA may cover stem cell therapy for certain blood cancers or bone marrow disorders. However, stem cell therapy for chronic pain is not currently covered under VA benefits, as it is still considered experimental or investigational in that context.
“Stem cells have great healing properties that can actually repair the body,” Gray explained. “Whether it’s torn ligaments, bones, tendons, or organs. It’s amazing.”
Not only can surgery be drastic to the body, but medication meant to manage pain can lead some down a mental path of no return.
“I’ve lost so many friends from pain pill addiction that leads to suicide,” said Hosbein.
Because stem cell therapy is so new, there are a lot of misconceptions about it. One major misconception is how the cells are collected.
According to its website, “Ways2Well sources products from certified laboratories who only collect donated cells from live birth, pre-planned C-Sections. Labs in the United States are required to track each donation to its original source. All donors are from within the USA and extensively screened.”
Sourcing quality stem cells is imperative for better therapy. As people age, the cells—including stem cells—become genetically mutated. This leads to a decline in stem cell function. Younger stem cells tend to be genetically cleaner, with greater healing properties, and function.
“From Ways2Well, you are getting brand new stem cells from a placenta. They have more ability to heal,” Gray continued. “
Jump Into Wellness aims to help as many veterans as possible, but they cannot do that without help.
“Everything that is donated goes to helping a veteran get treatment,” Hosbein said.
The only cost that the veteran has to afford is travel expenses.
Jump Into Wellness is holding a fundraiser this weekend. Anyone looking to take a quick road trip for a great cause should checkout House of Heroes at Omaha Brewery – Picking for Patriots is this Saturday, April 26, from 12 – 6 p.m. at Omaha Brewing Co., located at 265 Brew St, Omaha, GA.
There will be live music, food, and beer. Organizers encourage everyone to join in and bring friends and family along too. There will also be a chance to win raffle prizes, including a $1,000 gift card to Walter Craig’s The Sportsman’s HQ.
To make a donation—or if you are, or know, a veteran who could benefit from this innovative new treatment—please visit https://crane-quillfish-6hy2.squarespace.com
Veterans who are interested in this service, must be separated/retired from active-duty status, be a disabled Veteran with a disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provide DD214 with Personal Identifiable Information (PII) redacted showing proof of honorable discharge, provide VA entitlement letter, complete a consultation with one of our partnered providers with a favorable recommendation for stem cell therapy, and be willing to cover all other expenses such as transportation, lodging, and subsistence to one of the partnered facilities for treatment located in Texas.
Current and former members of the National Guard or Reserves may also apply if all other listed criteria.
