Without Don Reed, the stem cell voice in California would not be what it is today. Don’s journey in stem cell advocacy began almost twenty years ago with California’s Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act of 1999- an initiative named after his son who was paralyzed in a football accident. Don later served on
The story of how Frances Saldaña became a fierce advocate for Huntington's Disease (HD) research is not one for the faint of heart. In 1989 Frances lost the father of her children, Hector Portillo, to Huntington's Disease. Then, in one tragic misfortune after another, that same cruel disease took each of her three children, Marie, Margie
Monica Johnson was just a toddler when she was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. Despite battling the disease for nearly her entire life, Monica’s sunny outlook on Arthritis has supported her staunch work as a patient advocate across the country for nearly 30 years. We spoke to Monica to learn more about her experience living with
Dr. Rachel Dolhun, movement disorder specialist and vice president of medical communications for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, breaks down the basics of Parkinson’s disease. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRLB7WqX0fU&feature=youtu.be
Meet April’s co-Champions Award recipient, Bart Narter. Bart was an avid cyclist for decades before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. We spoke to Bart to learn more about his experience of living with Parkinson’s and what motivates him to do the amazing work he’s doing. Q. Tell us about your personal story of
As the fourth generation of mothers to have children born with sickle cell disease, Adrienne is a tireless advocate for stem cell research. Watch her accept speech the 2018 World Stem Cell Summit in Miami, Florida.
Meet one of our Champions Award recipients for the month of April, Jenifer Raub. Jenifer is President of the Board for Summit for Stem Cell, Patient Advocate for Parkinson’s disease and a Patient Ambassador for Americans for Cures. She has testified as a Parkinson's patient advocate to the FDA in support of iPSC and regenerative
Meet March's Champions Award recipient, James Stewart. James had a successful career in the aircraft and high tech industry, but it was interrupted after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2007. James’ first symptoms were experienced in 2003 while cycling his favorite Sonoma county roads. Initially diagnosed with benign recurring remitting MS, his
When Dianne Keaton took her blouse off in the movie THE FAMILY STONE, I was quite happy for a second — a major movie star undressing? And then, in an instant, the mood changed. I jerked back in my theater seat, and made a soundless inward scream. Her breasts were gone. In their place was a short
