Imagine a government program that attracts money, instead of just spending it… The California stem cell program does exactly that. Technically titled the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) the program has spent approximately $2.6 billion since its beginning. But from other sources, the program has brought in $1.9 billion — and more is almost certainly
A long-time medical technologist and former faculty member at UCSF, Bill Remak has his fair share of experience with the medical research industry. He has also battled chronic Hepatitis C (HCV), survived two liver transplants and a bout with cancer, and now is a Type 2 diabetic. In short, Bill is well acquainted with the
Lauren Miller Rogen may be best known for her work as a writer and an actor, but she is also a powerhouse advocate, founding the organization Hilarity for Charity. Americans for Cures recently sat down to talk with Lauren about her journey as an advocate for Alzheimer’s research and why an advocate’s voice can make
Meet one of your Americans for Cures’ Scientific Advisory Board members and UC Irvine neurobiologist, Dr. Leslie Thompson. Leslie’s lab investigates the potential of stem cells to study and treat Huntington’s Disease (HD). Her list of accomplishments and publications keep growing and could fill up an entire pamphlet. Yet, with all the successes and through
Diane Winokur is a true champion. Even in her mid-80’s, she not only speaks with confidence about her hope for the future of ALS, but she is continuing her advocacy for this disease with relentless strength. I mean, how many 80 year olds do you know who can courageously pour a bucket of ice on
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
