Stem Cell Awareness Day

Stem Cell Awareness Day is September 23rd. The idea of celebrating SCAD is to inform the public about stem cell science and to generate grass roots support for research in this field. The future of stem cell research holds great promise for curing a variety of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart, arthritis, and Alzheimer, Parkinson’s, cancer and neurological.

Scientists are presently seeking ways to grow stem cells into a wide range of human cells, tissues and organs. Stem cells may produce revolutionary changes in regenerative medicine seen only rarely in human history.

My family, like most others, has experienced the daily heart aches and challenges caused by one or more chronic diseases. For the past four years I have dedicated much of my time to learning about recent genetic and stem cell medical breakthroughs.

My decision to become a patient advocate for stem cell research funding and regenerative medicine is both personal and public. I want to help bring an end to the generational cycle of suffering inflicted on my family now and in the future and publicly, because the treatment and care of chronic diseases cost the taxpayers billions and billions of dollars each year.

Last year America spent $2.3 trillion on health care costs; 75% of this figure was due to chronic (presently incurable) illnesses. Northing lowers medical costs like curing a disease. This money could better be spent on education and more cell-based science.

I am convinced that our life science and technology has now reached the point of soon ridding us of our most debilitating and costly diseases. I am also strongly convinced that most citizens, if given the same time and opportunity as I have had to study this issue, will also reach the same conclusion.

Won’t you join my family and me and celebrate Stem Cell Awareness Day on Thursday, September 23rd. For ideas on how you or your health care organization can advocate for stem cell funding, see Benedict’s blog, Danecountyalmanac/Stem cell funding reform/Action steps for chronic disease advocacy and education organizations.