"A North Carolina teen said hes feeling hopeful after getting an infusion of stem cells httpabcnews.go.comtopicslifestylehealthstemcellresearch.htm during an experimental procedure that may help heal his heart and extend his life.  Caleb Sizemore  was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy  years ago. The genetic disorder httpabcnews.go.comtopicslifestylehealthgeneticscreening.htm is characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. The disease can lead to scarring on muscles including the heart. As scarring on the heart worsens it affects the organs ability to function and can be fatal.  In February Sizemore became the first patient ever to get an infusion of stem cells into his heart in the hopes of stopping or even reversing some of the scarring related to the disease.  Dr. John Jefferies director of advanced heart failure and cardiomyopathy at the Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center is treating Sizemore. He said a person suffering from Duchenne usually lives into his or her early s because of scarring on the heart.  Were going in and trying to reverse the scar tissue and potentially even mitigate the new development of scar tissue Jefferies told ABC News. If we can preserve his cardiac function he has a fantastic outlook.  Baby Born Weighing Just  Oz Finally Gets to Go Home httpabcnews.go.comHealthmiraclebabybornouncesfinallyhomestoryid Fiancee of NFL Star Dies of Ovarian Cancer at   httpabcnews.go.comHealthfianceenflstartonystewarddiesovariancancerstoryid Jefferies explained that the process works by allowing the stem cells to enter the heart thus encouraging the heart to heal itself.  The stem cells create a healthy environment in the heart and help the tissue go from abnormal state to normal state Jefferies noted.  Jefferies said if the medication works on patients like Sizemore it could then be tested on millions of other Americans who have scarring on their heart due to the disease or past heart attacks.  It is very exciting especially because of the impact it has on other kids and how it paves the way so that others can get the treatment and how this will change peoples lives and extend them Sizemore said.  The teenager said he also has renewed optimism for his own health.  Its made me more hopeful Sizemore said. Especially when I think of how amazing medical treatments and technology is and how far its gotten...especially since I was diagnosed  years ago.  Sizemore will return to Cincinnati in a few months so doctors can scan his heart and see if the scar tissue has been affected by the infusion."