Long-time stem cell advocate, Don Reed, has written a great new book called Stem Cell Battles: Proposition 71 and Beyond.
The subtitle is “How Ordinary People Can Fight the Crushing Burden of Chronic Disease — with a Posthumous Foreword by Christopher Reeve.”
Don’s book is a wonderful window into the behind-the-scenes herculean efforts that went into making the California Stem Cell Agency (CIRM) a reality via Proposition 71. It’s a very enjoyable read taking us right into the tireless work that Don, his son Roman, and the rest of their super family (the first family of stem cells) along with other major stem cell players put into this campaign to literally change the world.
One of the things I liked the most about Stem Cell Battles is that it is a very personal story that is nonetheless seamlessly woven so well into the state, national, and international levels of the stem cell world. It is also interesting to read about the many levels of stem cell research going on bringing real hope to patients facing serious health conditions. Don puts faces and personal stories to the stem cell researchers and others who are making this revolution in medicine possible.
I appreciated the fact that the book has so many pictures of these amazing people. Its 71 chapters (note the tie in to Proposition 71) are brief and each is a quick read. Don also does an excellent job covering key aspects of stem cell science in an interesting, understandable way.
I highly recommend this book. It will grab you, teach you, and inspire you. My hat off to Don Reed.
Please sign and help children with this fight…I’m sure you can empathize…thanks.
Apply for Accelerated Access of ISIS-SMNrx for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Given that SMA is an unmet medical need, we, The Fast Movement Organization (TheFastMovement.org), are petitioning ISIS Pharmaceuticals to apply with the FDA for Accelerated Access of ISIS-SMNrx. This allows those (babies, children, and adults) living with SMA treatment sooner than later. By signing this petition you are standing behind The Fast Movement and the SMA community for a chance at a better life sooner, and are helping push ISIS-Pharmaceuticals to ask the FDA for Accelerated Access for all people living with SMA.
Time is not on SMA’s side. Someone living with SMA shouldn’t have to wait any longer for treatment that is already changing the lives of those currently in trials.
https://www.change.org/p/dr-stan-crooke-kristina-bowyer-accelerated-access-of-isis-smnrx-for-spinal-muscular-atrophy-sma?
I got my copy a couple of weeks ago and it is an excellent description of the battles to get Prop 71 passed. It is very timely as we head into CIRMv2.0 and can serve as a primer for what we need to do.
I really enjoy the read from someone who collected signatures way back when. At least, this time we wont have to collect signatures and we are builiding on what I consider an excellent foundation.
I highly recommend the book. I did not know that Don was such a good writer.