Real Life Stem Cell Stories
These are real stories from real people who have already been waiting too long for the promise of stem cell research. Read them -- and then take action:
1) Tell your elected
officials to get rid of outdated policies and regulations that have already
held up stem cell research for too long; 2) Make a donation to StemPAC, and
help us spread the word. It's a grassroots movement, and we don't need much --
but any amount helps.
Got a story yourself? Make sure to share it today!
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Hello. My name is David Abell. I was diagnosed with ALS "Lou Gehrig's Disease" in June 1996. I was 29 and serving in the US Navy when my Naval career, marriage, and life as I knew it were destroyed by this devastating disease. I have had to adapt to being paralyzed, ventilator dependent, fed through a feeding tube, and requiring 24/7 care from family and hired caregivers. I refuse to give up.
ALS, more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disorder that occurs when motor nerve cells cease to function and die. While in most cases a person's mind remains sharp and alert, voluntary muscle control becomes completely lost, often resulting in paralysis, loss of speech, and eventually breathing function. Stem cell research is sorely needed to battle ALS & many other diseases.
When Lou Gehrig was diagnosed more than 60 years ago there was little known about ALS and no treatment. Sadly that is still the case today with only one FDA drug (Rilutek) approved that does little to stop this horrible disease. However scientist today believe stem cells may be the breakthrough that can lead to treating or curing ALS and many diseases afflicting millions of Americans.
I don't believe that embryonic stem cell research is abortion which seems to be why it's been politicized. These tens of thousands of frozen embryos have never been in a womb & almost all will be destroyed anyway. Unless many women are willing to save all these frozen embryos by bringing them all to life via their wombs I think they are better to be used to help humanity. I also believe that God has given us this knowledge to help ease suffering. I hope you agree.
Unfortunately politics has made a political football out of this issue. Instead of letting responsible scientists study the possibilities of stem cells Politicians have hampered scientists making it impossible for them to proceed and forcing many to pursue this work overseas.
Human embryonic stem cell research and the ability to make stem cells by nuclear transfer (cloning) does not involve the cloning of an individual (I do not support human cloning) human being. Today, we stand at the gateway of a tremendous medical breakthrough and it is challenges like this one that will change the course of medical history.
A decision by our leaders to allow such research would not only change the lives of future generations, but would also allow you to benefit the lives of those currently living with neurological and other ailments. Millions are depending on you; are you going to let them down?
Again, I urge our leaders to adopt a resolution allowing for public sector stem cell research along with additional Federal Funding for neurological research and trust that you will make the right decision. I hope that you will consider the millions of Americans who are suffering and may possibly be helped by stem cell therapy.
Thank you,
David Abell
"I might have been given a bad break, but I have an awful lot to live for."
--- Lou Gehrig: July 4, 1939.
Read more stories. Get inspired, get angry, and then -- get into the fight!
