Gordie Howe to have 2nd stem cell treatment, may attend Red Wings game next season

Gordie Howe's schedule is filling up.

The 87-year-old legend's family plans to continue stem cell treatments and he may return to Joe Louis Arena for a game next season.

"It would be really nice to get Dad to the Joe for a game if he's well enough," Gordie's son, Mark, told MLive's Ansar Khan.

Howe will return to Mexico for treatment next month and will relocate from his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas to live with his son, Murray, in Toledo, Ohio.

"We just take everything day to day," Mark said. "We'd like to get him in the building (in Detroit), let him watch a little hockey. We're trying to get him as much mental stimulation as possible. We'll try to keep improving his quality of life."

Mr. Hockey suffered a serious stroke last year, but traveled to Mexico for a round of stem cell treatment in December that he later credited for a remarkable recovery.

"The people in San Diego (at Stemedica Cell Technologies) recommended two treatments," Mark said.

"Everything they said has come true. They said he'll benefit from a second treatment. We're keeping our fingers crossed. We're not expecting a miracle leap, but anything that improves his quality of life will be good.

"Physically he's much better," Mark said. "Mentally, with the dementia, he still struggles. In Texas, he was isolated from friends in Michigan and Ohio. We're hoping this will continue to stimulate his mind if the second treatment does well."

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Thursday the new bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor will be named after Howe.

Gordie made what was originally billed as his final public appearance at a tribute dinner in Saskatchewan earlier this year.