Although the surgery is experimental, Mr. Fernandes feels it is the right thing for him to pursue. That's because it not only could help him to walk again but also would help to advance stem-cell research.

The surgery has been conducted on six Americans, and two of them are now walking, he pointed out.

Mr. Fernandes noted that the criteria for experimental surgery for people in his condition are to have been injured for two years and to be 35 years old or younger. He added that his window for a procedure such as this is closing because he is now 34.

Since the surgery is experimental and is being conducted outside the country, it would not be covered by insurance.

The surgery would cost $38,000, and travel expenses would be extra. After spending a week in a Portugal hospital, Mr. Fernandes wants to undergo rehabilitation at the Center for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery in Detroit. Doctors have recommended that the stay there be for sixth months, with rehabilitation three days a week. It would cost $240 a day.

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