Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Endorses Prop 71 (stem cell res.)

[NV1962]

This from a red-hot press release:

Leaders Throughout California Cite Initiative's Promise to Save Lives and Boost Local Economies

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Supporters of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, today announced the endorsements of 175 federal, state, and local elected officials from throughout California, adding to a growing, broad and diverse coalition mobilizing to urge encourage a YES vote on the November 2 statewide ballot.

Prop 71 will support stem cell research at California hospitals, medical schools and universities, to develop life-saving therapies and cures for diseases that could save the lives of millions of California children and adults. Medical experts believe that stem cell research holds promise of new treatments and cures for a multitude of diseases and injuries, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries.

Federal, state and local elected officeholders are supporting Prop. 71 because stem cell research offers the potential to save lives and find cures for California families, because they believe that the Initiative puts in place sound public policy, and because stem cell research and cures are expected to reduce California's staggering health care costs. At the same time, Prop. 71 will provide a boost to the State and local economies through new jobs in research and construction, new tax revenues, and shares in patents and royalties resulting from the research.

The elected officials supporting Prop 71 are as diverse -- both geographically and demographically -- as the constituencies they represent. Among the elected officials endorsing the Initiative are State Constitutional officers to mayors of small municipalities; from the Coastal region to the Central Valley; from as far south as Chula Vista to as far north as Humboldt County; and from urban to rural areas. A complete list of elected officials endorsing elected Prop. 71 can be found on the campaign's website, www.YesOn71.com.

In their support of Prop 71, these elected officials join an expansive coalition of grassroots supporters that also includes over 20 Nobel Prize- winning scientists, hundreds of medical experts, faith-based organizations, business groups, families involved in patient advocacy and efforts to cure diseases like the Alzheimer's Association California Council, California Medical Association, American Nurses Association of California, American Diabetes Association, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California, ALS Therapy Development Foundation, Parkinson's Action Network, California Congress of Seniors, and the National Coalition for Cancer Research.

Citing the measure's fiscal soundness and vast potential for economic benefits, California's top business organizations and leaders have also pledged their support. They include, among others, the California Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and San Diego Chamber of Commerce, economic expert and Reagan advisor George Shultz, State Controller Steve Westly, and State Treasurer Phil Angelides. A complete list of endorsing leaders and organizations can be found on the campaign's website, www.YesOn71.com.

Proposition 71 was developed by a coalition of California families and medical experts determined to close the stem cell research funding gap. Currently, our state has no effective mechanism to fund stem cell research and political roadblocks have severely limited federal funding for some of the most promising types of stem cell research.

More information on Proposition 71 can be obtained at:
www.YesOn71.com

SOURCE The California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative Web Site:
www.CuresForCalifornia.com
www.YesOn71.com

This is something deeply felt by Chris Reeve - let's NOT silence his passion for hope.

[NV1962]

1. This is an answer to the "let's not politicize his death" meme, BTW

I believe the stem cell research endorsement by "his" organization settles that matter.

I don't think his passion for the subject (and for the hope that science in general projects) should die in self-censorship or in silence.

There's a difference between turning it into a circus and keeping Chris' memory alive with his passionate support for stem cell research.