Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, Larry Powalisz was told he might be in a wheelchair within five years.
Matt: I'm excited to welcome Larry Powalis.
Diagnosed with MS in 2021, Larry was told he might be in a wheelchair within 5 years. Determined to change his path, he underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in Mexico. Now more than two years in remission, Larry shares how this life-changing treatment halted the progression of his disease.
We also discuss how Larry plans to heal his drop foot—something many in the MS community want to know more about. If you're curious about alternative treatments or how to transform your MS journey, this episode is for you.
Matt: Okay, Larry, thank you so much for joining us today. Your story is incredible and one of the most important stories our MS community needs to hear. Not only have you advocated for yourself and pursued treatments and therapies, but you’re also working to help the broader community. You've established your own charity and are actively fighting to make things happen.
Larry: Well, thank you for inviting me, Matt. I appreciate it greatly. I say the same about you—you’ve done so much for the MS community.
Matt: Let's start with your story. How did it all begin?
Larry: It really started 20 years before I was diagnosed. My left hand was going numb, and they said I had a bone spur in my neck. I lived with it, thinking it was just a neck problem.
About three and a half years ago, my left side started getting paralyzed, and I was experiencing brain fog and difficulty focusing. I went to a neurologist and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The only treatment they offered was Ocrevus. I read the brochure and thought, "No way." I decided to do my own research.
I tried various treatments, including CCSVI procedures in Ohio. I improved somewhat for a few months but still had brain fog. Eventually, I learned about HSCT and decided it was my best chance to halt MS. I went to Mexico a year after being diagnosed.
Larry: I went to Monterrey with three other women getting the same treatment. One was paralyzed with an EDSS score of 6.5. By the end of treatment, she could speak and walk a little.
For me, HSCT involved wiping out my immune system with chemotherapy and reinfusing my own stem cells. This rebuilds your immune system quickly—within a week instead of waiting a year or more. We also give Rituximab to reduce inflammation post-treatment.
Matt: Can you explain drop foot for our audience?
Larry: Drop foot is when your leg can’t control the speed at which your foot lifts and lowers. It’s like a leg that’s asleep—you can twist your ankle because it drops faster than normal.
Larry: After HSCT, I stopped the progression of my MS. My EDSS score went from 3.5 to 2.5. I now work out three days a week and can lift weights I couldn’t before.
Matt: Many people fear HSCT, especially in Mexico.
Larry: Everyone I know who went through the treatment felt fine. You do need to be careful during neutropenia—the week when your immune system is extremely low—but otherwise, it’s safe. The key is proper medical screening.
Matt: You didn’t just stop at getting treatment for yourself.
Larry: Right. I wanted to help others access HSCT. I created a nonprofit, MS Heal the World, but funding was limited. So I acquired a public company, Adia Nutrition, which now allows insurance companies to cover HSCT in some cases.
Adia Nutrition has two divisions: a nutrition/supplements division, and a medical division that handles HSCT for MS patients with outpatient treatment in 21 days instead of 28–30.
Matt: You’re also exploring a new treatment for drop foot using umbilical cord stem cells.
Larry: Yes, we’re using IV injections of 100 million umbilical cord stem cells and 3 trillion exosomes. Exosomes are the communicators for stem cells—they help direct repair. This treatment is mild, low-risk, and has the potential to repair nerve damage like drop foot.
Matt: What’s the expected timeline for results?
Larry: We start in January. Initial improvements may be seen within 30 days, with continued progress over a year. My hope is that drop foot will be gone within three months.
Larry: Using your own stem cells has no ethical issues. Umbilical cord stem cells come from healthy babies whose parents donate the umbilical cord and placenta for research.
Our clinic does not require trial participation. We screen patients for safety but allow access to AHSCT for MS without trial restrictions.
Matt: For people interested in learning more, what are the next steps?
Larry: You can call me personally at 331-231-2843, or visit admed.com to fill out a form. I speak to everyone personally to discuss options.
Matt: Would you be open to a Zoom for our community?
Larry: Absolutely. I want to get this information out quickly and expand clinics to reach more patients.
Matt: Larry, your dedication to healing and helping the MS community is incredible.
Larry: Thank you. I hope this inspires others to explore HSCT and stem cell therapies early, because starting with the most effective treatment is key to preventing nerve damage.
