PALO ALTO, CA — The Californians for Stem Cell Research, Treatments and Cures coalition (YES on Proposition 14) today announced endorsements from multiple patient advocacy organizations joining the growing, broad coalition of leading scientists, physicians and Nobel Prize winners in support of the measure. Major endorsements include the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Beyond Type 1, the Immune Deficiency Foundation and JDRF International. These organizations are part of the more than 70 patient advocacy organizations in support of Proposition 14 because of the hope and potential stem cell research provides for patients and their families searching for treatments and cures.

This November, voters will be asked to consider Proposition 14, where a “yes” vote will renew funding to develop treatments, advance clinical trials and achieve new medical breakthroughs for California’s patients living with chronic diseases and conditions, like cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, stroke, infectious diseases like COVID-19, and many more. If passed, Proposition 14 will authorize $5.5 billion in state general obligation bonds to build on the successes of Proposition 71 and advance more medical discoveries into treatments and cures that could save or improve the lives of millions of Californians.

“The 2004 stem cell initiative has led to remarkable medical discoveries and has had an incredible effect on paralysis research and treatment development. Californians must continue what we started by passing Proposition 14,” said Peter T. Wilderotter, President and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “By passing the 2020 initiative, California can help accelerate the development of more treatments and cures for chronic diseases and conditions that touch nearly all California families – from cancer and heart disease to spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders.”

“An estimated 55% of adults in California are living with some form of diabetes – including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes,” said Thom Scher, CEO of Beyond Type 1. “While promising treatments for management and complications related to these chronic conditions are in sight, critical scientific progress could be lost if we do not continue to advance California’s stem cell research program – a venture that has already given hope to many Californians living with diabetes and has the potential to improve the lives of many more.”

“California’s stem cell research program has led to breakthrough medical discoveries, some of which have saved the lives of children and adults diagnosed with primary immunodeficiencies,” said John G. Boyle, CEO and President of the Immune Deficiency Foundation. “Proposition 14 will support the continuation of this important work to advance new and better treatments that can be translated across all types of chronic diseases.”

“The 2004 stem cell initiative supported breakthrough diabetes research, now in human clinical trials, which shows encapsulated cells can produce insulin in people with type 1 diabetes,” said Aaron J. Kowalski, President and CEO of JDRF International. “Passing Proposition 14 will help further advance promising research, develop new treatment opportunities and provide hope for cures for people with diabetes and other chronic diseases.”

Voting YES on Prop 14:

  • Continues and accelerates the development of new treatments and cures, building on the successes of California’s stem cell research and funding institute, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), which was established when California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 71 in 2004. Past investments in CIRM have led to: 
    • 90+ clinical trials
    • 1,000+ projects at 70 institutions across California
    • 2 FDA-approved cancer treatments for fatal blood cancers
    • $10.7 billion in increased state economic output
    • $640 million in new state revenue
    • 55,000 jobs spanning every level – from construction and maintenance workers, to lab technicians, nurses and physicians
  • Could save millions of lives and tens of billions of dollars in health care costs. California is expected to spend $4.7 trillion on chronic diseases between 2015 and 2030 – a period of only 15 years. Reducing the cost of treating just 6 of 8 major chronic diseases or injuries by 1-2% would save billions of these treatment costs and pay for the measure twice over.
  • Provides a much-needed economic stimulus and jobs recovery for California. Given bond payments are delayed for the first 5 years and the projected increase in economic activity, jobs, and tax revenues, Proposition 14 is projected to provide more state revenue than the cost of the bond payments until the beginning of 2030.

Learn more at www.YESon14.com.

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