Embryonic stem cell therapy is only available in clinical trials in the United States. Religious concerns and efforts to block funding for stem cell research have sent thousands of patients seeking this treatment overseas. While many in America's medical community warn these types of treatments are untested and dangerous. One man says it's keeping him alive.

"Theoretically I should be gone," said Derek Van Wyk.

For six years Van Wyk's been fighting ALS or Lou Gherig's disease. Those diagnosed with ALS have a life expectancy of 3-5 years. There is no cure.

"Some people bow down and accept it. I won't," Van Wyk said.

To extend his life Van Wyk put his faith in a controversial treatment and a doctor thousands of miles away.

"At least they're trying. Around here you get nothing," Van Wyk said.

Van Wyk went to India to undergo embryonic stem cell therapy. He the cells injected into several parts of his body including his arms, legs, and the palms of his hands.

"The major procedures are in your epidural. In your spine," Van Wyk said.

Van Wyk said it’s working by stabilizing his condition and in some cases reversing his symptoms. The American medial community remains skeptical.

Dr. Mark Noble, of the University of Rochester Medical Center, has been studying the potential use of stem cells for more than 30 years. He believes this research will eventually provide new treatments for ALS, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries. But, he warned, some doctors overseas are cutting corners.

"Virtually none of these treatments in overseas clinics have been documented. We don't know what the rules are over there yet. So there's a huge concern that people might go to these clinics and have a procedure that actually makes them worse," said Noble.

Van Wyk is convinced he's not getting worse. Too much so he's willing to spend $15,000 a treatment.

"I, at the very minimum, bought myself two years," said Van Wyk.

Van Wyk recently returned home from his second trip to India. Friends and family threw him a welcome home party. He’s happy to be back spending time with his kids. Moments that remind him why he's fighting so hard.

"If you were to tell me everything would give you one more day with your kids. I’d do it. And I think most parents would,” Van Wyk added.

Van Wyk will return to India in another six to eight months for continued treatment. Van Wyk has already set aside money for his kids’ future, so he’s relying on fund raising events and donations from the community to cover his ongoing medical costs.