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Media Contacts:
Sarah Youngerman – 651.485.7171
Carol Blymire – 301.332.8090
CAMR Calls For House Passage of Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 3)
Washington, D.C.; January 11, 2007 – The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) today called on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. The bill is up for debate and a vote this afternoon.
"There is new hope in America, as H.R. 3’s co-sponsors Representatives Michael Castle (R-DE) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) bring up the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act for a vote,” said Sean Tipton, president of CAMR. “Congressman Castle and Congresswoman DeGette's stalwart dedication to the issue of embryonic stem cell research provides hope to those for whom this issue is so important.”
More than 100 million Americans suffer from cancer, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and other debilitating diseases and disorders for which embryonic stem cell research holds great promise in finding new and better treatments and cures. Those individuals, along with their families, friends and caregivers, look to the 110th Congress to take a stand and vote for federal funding for and oversight of embryonic stem cell research.
“"We look forward to this bill passing swiftly in the House of Representatives, and are confident it will be passed quickly in the Senate, as well.”
Baltimore’s John Kellerman was diagnosed with Parkinson's when he was 37 years old. Now 52 and having lived with the disease for the past 15 years, John is more determined than ever to do what he can to speak out about the need for embryonic stem cell research to help find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's. He spoke at a media teleconference today: "I'm a Republican and a Catholic, but because of my personal situation, I have taken the time to research and understand this issue, and I believe we need the federal government to provide funding so that researchers can find a cure."
Because of the Parkinson's progression in his body and the need for deep brain stimulation surgery, John was forced to retire from his job as a loan officer in 2001. His wife, Marye, is now working two jobs to support the couple and their three teenage children. As a lifelong Baltimore resident, John has been an active volunteer in the Maryland Parkinson's community and is now getting involved at the national level to help educate others on the need for this important research to be funded at the federal level. "I do this work because I want to be able to dance at my daughters' weddings."
CAMR supports all forms of regenerative research and believes that federal policy should allow for funding and oversight of embryonic stem cell research. We look forward to working with both chambers of Congress to effect change in the federal policy in this arena. Nearly three-quarters of Americans across all political party lines and religious affiliations support embryonic stem cell research and want federal funding and oversight for this important work.
# # # The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) -- the leading pro-cures coalition -- is comprised of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine -- including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer -- to cure disease and alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit www.camradvocacy.org.
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