Birth of a Miracle: The Miraculous Story of the Lourdes Hydrofix

An Unexpected Challenge: A Diagnosis That Changed Everything

As submitted by Mr. Takashi Hida, creator of the Lourdes Hydrofix.

The Birth and Early Signs of SMA: The development of the Lourdes Hydrofix began when my daughter was born with a designated incurable disease called SMA/Spinal Muscular Atrophy—also known as Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.

In November 2008, my daughter came into the world with a clearly weak cry. Initially, the doctor said this was common among babies born via Cesarean section, so I was not overly concerned. My relief was short-lived, however, when at three days old, my daughter had yet to achieve the expected lung capacity or limb movements typical of infants her age. Her doctor recommended a detailed examination at a university hospital where our newborn daughter was diagnosed with Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy is classified into four types depending on the age at which it occurs. My daughter had the congenital type—considered the most severe of the four. The disease is thought to occur in 1-2 people per 100,000, of which 1 in 40,000 develop the disease.

Facing Despair: A Parent’s Heartbreak

The Painful Reality of Spinal Muscular Atrophy: The doctor informed us that although she was able to make some sounds and show some facial expressions currently, soon, she would be unable to move her muscles or even be able to eat on her own and would be bedridden for the rest of her life. The doctor’s words filled me with despair.

One month later my daughter still required constant hospital care. We had not yet even been allowed to bring her home. The reality of our circumstance was completely soul-crushing. The absurdity that even the most vicious criminals were often blessed with healthy bodies but our innocent newborn daughter would have to fight for her life with every waking breath was too much. We hated God and everyone else in the world. I felt tremendous guilt for having brought my daughter into the world only to endure a constant, daily fight for life. Despondent, I even considered suicide.

However, seeing my daughter smile—despite the cruel, unfair hand she had been dealt—made me realize that devoting myself to discovering any possible way to provide as much comfort and joy for the limited time we would have together would be my commitment to her, as long as we would be blessed with her presence. From that day on, caring for my daughter and researching this disease became my focus. I researched tirelessly, hoping for some hidden revelation that would provide us with the knowledge to overcome this ruthless, menacing threat. Sadly, the conclusion remained—the only thing within my power to do was love her and prolong her life by treating the symptoms and complications of this progressive menace.

Finding Purpose Amidst Suffering

From Despair to Dedication: Committing to Her Care: Although unable to move her muscles, we were comforted by the occasional smile she would show. However, when she was eighteen months old, the doctor announced that she would need a tracheotomy. Congenital Spinal Muscular Atrophy is known to result in death in ninety-five percent of cases by the time the patient is eighteen months of age if not placed on a ventilator. This was an unavoidable life-prolonging measure for our daughter—unable to breathe properly on her own. It also meant that she would never again be able to make those lovely sounds; the faint voice that we had once delighted in hearing. Following the tracheotomy, my daughter was placed on a ventilator. Unable to cough on her own, suctioning phlegm that accumulated in her lungs every few hours, day and night was necessary.

The most difficult part was that she would get pneumonia every three weeks and have to be transferred to the ICU each time. At each episode we were faced with the possible death of our child. Her doctor had warned us of this complication. In healthy individuals, the upper respiratory tract has an excretory function that prevents bacteria from entering through the lower respiratory tract. However, after a tracheal tube is inserted, this function is disrupted. In addition, this can also make it easier for bacteria to enter the lungs through aspiration, which can also lead to pneumonia.

Most parents have many occasions for various activities with their children. In our case, all we could do for our child was suction her phlegm, prepare her meals—which were fed through a gastrostomy tube—help her with baths a few times a week, and pray to God. When my daughter was about six years old, we were granted permission to bring her home for short periods on several occasions, but each time she would develop pneumonia, shattering our dream of spending any significant family time together at home. 

Searching for Answers: The Discovery of Hydrogen Therapy

A Glimmer of Hope in Hydrogen Water: During this time, I came across information that “hydrogen water” was effective against ALS / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. It was the first time I had heard the term “hydrogen water.” Although ALS is a muscle disease and my daughter’s illness was very different, a small ray of hope shone on us despite knowing that very little could be done to significantly alter the course of this disease. We now had a glimmer of hope that there was indeed more that we could do to help our daughter.

At that time, very little research was being done on molecular hydrogen in Japan, or in any other part of the world. I began by studying the basics of molecular hydrogen, and then gathered and read many academic papers and clinical trial reports related to molecular hydrogen. I met with many doctors and professors and got their opinions from various angles. The conclusion I reached was that it was definitely worth a try. I consulted with my daughter’s doctor, who gave permission under the strict condition that the hydrogen water could contain no impurities. If we could meet that requirement, we could proceed.

Confronting Disappointment

Why Existing Products Were Not Good Enough: The doctor explained that throughout our normal everyday routine, we encounter many impurities, such as bacteria, microorganisms found in the air, dust on the floor, germs passed from close contact with other people, as well as chemicals contained in foods and beverages we consume. If a healthy person takes in small amounts of impurities, they are able to expel them through sneezing, coughing, phlegm, or through the body’s immune system defense mechanisms.

Thus, their accumulation does not immediately cause illness. However, for patients with certain illnesses, this can be a huge burden. People with severe SMA—like my daughter—cannot eliminate anything from their bodies on their own and for people with chronically weakened immune systems, even the slightest exposure to impurities could lead to immediate death.

Soon, our home resembled the world’s most extensive hydrogen production equipment showroom. I acquired every hydrogen water generator available on the market as well as every alkaline ionized water generator and Kangen water device that produced even tiny amounts of hydrogen. However, after researching all the products with the help of experts, I realized that none of the products met  the specifications approved for use.

The more we looked into it, the more obvious it became that all the equipment we had acquired carried the possibility of generating impurities or allowing harmful chemicals to be mixed in with their final product. It simply did not meet the standard her doctor stated was safe for my daughter to use. Any potential benefit from hydrogen would be outweighed by the risk it posed to life. Having seen hope in hydrogen, I was disheartened to find those were the only products available. However, from the day my daughter was born, I had committed my life to improving the quality of hers and even this obstacle would not compel me to give up. 

The Decision to Innovate

Creating What Did Not Exist – A Father’s Determination: If I were a father with a healthy daughter, I might have faced many challenges and difficulties in the future—adolescent growing pains, a rebellious phase, stress to excel on entrance exams, or financing tuition. However, those of us who have children who are critically ill from birth do not have the luxury of experiencing typical parenting challenges associated with normal childhood development.

The challenges that parents like us face across a lifetime are all concentrated in this present moment. Now may be the only opportunity we have to act on behalf of our beloved children. It did not take long to decide that if it doesn’t exist in the world, I would have to make it myself! With that goal firmly in mind, I launched the project to develop a safe hydrogen generator for my daughter. Fortunately, I had many talented experts, engineers, and companies who shared my commitment.

Breaking Boundaries: Developing a Pure, Safe Solution

Japanese Engineering Meets Compassionate Innovation: First, we identified all the factors that could potentially introduce impurities, including the electrolysis method, the electrode parts used, the materials used for parts such as plastics, and additives used in processing. All the hydrogen products I had collected helped me identify and understand these things. Most manufacturers used cheap materials from overseas to cut costs and relied on existing technology instead of developing advanced technology or they even used harmful chemicals. 

To create a hydrogen generator that was safe for my daughter, it was essential to create new technology that did not produce any impurities rather than use existing methods. Additionally, considering that it would sometimes be necessary for hospitals to operate the generator, it also needed to be easy to operate and require no complicated maintenance routines. It was also important to be able to immediately see any abnormalities in the production or the inclusion of impurities. 

The project was fraught with challenges as such a product had never before been produced. The most challenging part was developing a new electrolysis method that not only produced zero impurities, but also allowed visual detection of any abnormalities or impurities. The complete separate chamber electrolysis method was developed based on the knowledge and experience of Mr. Tanioka—an authority on electrolysis—and further established through Japan’s cutting-edge technology and quality standards. To ensure quality and parts safety, there was no other option than to use all Japanese parts. In search of truly safe, high quality parts, I visited manufacturers throughout Japan that take pride in producing high-quality, Japanese-made components. 

The Miracle Realized: The Birth of Lourdes Hydrofix

Overcoming Obstacles with Precision and Dedication: For my daughter, I made no compromises; her life is irreplaceable. If I could, I would readily sacrifice my own life to save hers. However, no amount of prayers will make it possible for me to take her place. No amount of money will cure my daughter’s illness. So, instead, I threw myself wholeheartedly into developing something that would help her attain a quality and length of life that the Werdnig-Hoffman diagnosis threatened to take away.

The answer came in the creation of the Lourdes Hydrofix. Despite the frustration, helplessness, cost and difficulties I would encounter along the way, giving up was never an option. At this crossroads, these leading Japanese companies provided support in development and technology to forge ahead: Toyota, Yamaha, G-shock, Sabae Kogyo, and Kobe Steel. poured all my love for my daughter into developing the first pure and safe hydrogen generator.

Finally, in 2016, the world’s one and only Lourdes Hydrofix was completed. It was not only a testament to the love I have for her, but also the love and dedication of the many people who supported me along the journey. The Lourdes Hydrofix is ​​a masterpiece made possible by Japan’s cutting-edge technology and, above all, the compassion of people who care for others. My heartfelt gratitude belongs to God, for his mysterious power that led me to the success of this one-of-a-kind development as well as everyone who contributed in any capacity large or small. 

Life Transformed

Real-Life Impact and Improved Health for My Daughter: Since my daughter started using the Lourdes Hydrofix, her life-threatening pneumonia outbreaks (which previously occurred once every three weeks), have amazingly been reduced to just a few times per year. Her complexion has also improved a little. This was an  unprecedented miracle that even the doctors had not predicted. Thanks to the Lourdes Hydrofix, she was able to participate in clinical trials for several new medications.

The hospital gave us permission to go out temporarily for a few weeks each year, and thereby we were blessed with the long-awaited opportunity to spend time together at home as a family. Thanks to God, as of 2025 my daughter is now sixteen years old. Her doctor says that it is almost a miracle that she has survived this long, despite being on a ventilator since she was eighteen months old. Even now, the Lourdes Hydrofix is ​​always by my daughter’s bed, supporting her on my behalf.

A Legacy of Love and Hope

From Personal Pain to Global Purpose: With her precious life, my daughter not only taught me what is truly important in life, but also gave me the courage and faith to pursue it. Had she not been born with a serious illness, I might never have been involved in the development of a safe hydrogen generator that can be used by children and patients with serious illnesses and the Lourdes Hydrofix might never have existed.

My Daughter’s Lasting Impact

How One Child’s Life Inspired Healing for Many: When I learned of my daughter’s illness, I repeatedly asked God to show me the meaning of her life. When we see an infant laugh, we feel happy even when it is someone else’s child. Had my daughter been born with a beautiful voice, she may have inspired many people with her singing. However, she was born with an incurable disease and would likely die quietly without leaving behind any proof that she had ever lived. When I thought about my poor daughter, I could not possibly understand why she was born like this.

But, before long, our struggles had inspired the creation of the Lourdes Hydrofix—a device with the ability to offer relief and hope to other families suffering similarly. Perhaps my daughter was born to bring a ray of hope and encouragement to all those who struggle as a result of similar illnesses. Hence, my daughter’s life and the birth of the Lourdes Hydrofix are inextricably entwined—a testament to and achievement of her life—both indisputable miracles.

A Personal Mission Fulfilled

My sincerest hope is that the Lourdes Hydrofix will help reduce suffering worldwide.

Thank you. Arigatou.

As submitted by Mr. Takashi Hida, creator of the Lourdes Hydrofix.