|
Debate over
Stem-Cell Research?
|
The Stem Cell debate is upon us again and may be here to stay. This debate has lacked clarity over the years on valuing viable life over mere cells. Will anyone win the debate on embryonic stem cell research? It seems we sometimes find this issue stuck in the middle and not sure how to add value to this controversial debate. The debate brings hope and promise to medical research and needs to be reshaped into something that Americans can understand. Opponets need to reframe the reality that the lives of people coping with life-draining diseases also have a voice as well as a medical theory of hope. We are tragicly torn when abortion warfare tactics are added to the debate. I have never met anyone who adores abortion even when it is taken to a serious need or is based on life threatening medical options. I have however, met people struggling with ALS, Parkinson's and many other diseases that rob their lives of vitality inch by painful inch over hopeless, seemingly never-ending days. In fact as a person coping with ALS, I know more about these diseases than I ever wanted.
The Stem Cell debate needs to be centered around the concrete fact that embryonic stem cell research offers medical science the opportunity to make some miracles happen. The time has come for us to stop pretending research is opening doors while the debated keys are being held captive by fear. We don't debate the morality of transplanting organs from the bodies of the deceased who have donated organs. Organ donations have not created an ethical debate where those living in dire circumstances are harvested for the value of their transplantable organs. Those Heroic volunteers are always applauded without question for their courageous donations. Must we cloud the embryonic stem cell research debate with an abstract, the uncertain fear that a future society will use abortion to harvest stem cells?
The stem cell debate is a legitimate discussion for our nation. But it's time to look at the issue in a concrete value rather than abstract context.
Human contact may very well have multiple answers directed at life-draining diseases.
PALs Leon Peek
SUMMARY AS OF: 1/4/2007--Introduced. H.R.3
Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following ethical requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics for the purpose of fertility treatment and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) such individuals donate the embryos with written informed consent and receive no financial or other inducements.
The Library of Congress .jpg)
Searching for the Truth
A Basic Guide to Live With |
.jpg) |
The concept that "the truth shall set you free" is a two-edged sword. If you face all the possibilities at once you can panic. Panic is lethal and you must avoid it. "One day at a time" seems to be the best advice everyone gives each other. Taking it one day at a time, many people handle the truth about ALS a lot easier. The underlying problem is FEAR. A legitimate concern in people asking the question about panic is this: "How much influence does my mind have in increasing my chances of getting the symptoms I read about?"
The best advice, if you are emotionally ready for it, is to:
-
Seek the knowledge but keep it basic and do not overload with too much information.
-
Face your fears. Get counseling if you need it, talk to others with an open mind.
-
Make a medical game plan--a list of what you would need for each symptom common to ALS.
-
Tell your plan to the responsible people around you to get more opinions and suggestions.
-
Take action.-- Think about what you will need long before you need it. Install handrails, etc.
-
Now forget all about it and live normally. Your subconscious stress level will be lower and you will be more peaceful.
|
Having a peaceful mind is goal number one in coping with any illness.
ALS Society of Canada
|
Strawberry Fields Forever : Protective fruit ?
Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young.........blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field........they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies).
Planting season is just around the corner. What's in your garden? |
Keyboards of Kourage |
.jpg) |
Say Hello to Mike Bougher
Just when you think you know all about life and living with ALS we are taken back again by yet another PALS. That's what happened to me when I came across "My Blissful Life with ALS". His name is Mike Bougher, a world travler, artist and through ALS he has developed this colorful eyeshot on life. His writings are real food for thought considering they are writen by a man who can not swallow. Here is a sampling of his view from the river of life. " The human experience is similar to river rafting. You can use your paddles and try to avoid the big objects, but don't fool yourself, the river is in control. You can't go backwards, or change its course. You must take what the river gives you and do your best to handle it gracefully, all the while, enjoying the ride" . If you think this interesting wait until you see his digital paintings he creates using head movement and a computer. Mike claims to be virtually paralyzed, I don't think so, you be the judge.
My Blissful Life with ALS
|
Anniversaries are usually a time for celebration but this Anniversary we celebrate all the PALS, past and present that showed the courage to fight. This will be an Anniversary of Hope for the Faces of Courage that cope daily with ALS. Ten long years of printing Faces of ordinary people who have had the misfortune of contracting this horrible disease we call ALS. The only way to celebrate this anniversary is to share how it all began and the one man that had more than one vision. Those visions where to empower ourselves to better our lives as well as accelerate Awareness and Advocacy so that The Banner will never have to be displayed again.
Happy Anniversary Kyle.
|
-
The Stem Cell battle is at last turning some congressional heads. This time, the House picked up two additional votes on the issue - Jason Altmire, a pro-life Democrat from the fourth district in western Pennsylvania, and Tim Holden from Central Pennsylvania, who voted against the bill last year. One Senator that could tip the scale is Bob Casey, Jr., Pro-Life Democrat. Contact Senator Casey, send a message of how much this bill would mean to ALS. Senator Bob Casey Jr.
-
The voice of Moe the Neron in "What is ALS for Kids" has finally been identified. The voice belongs to Terry Frank co-founder ALS March of Faces. Rumor has it that after the recording session it took Terry a week to get her voice back. This highly rated project provides awareness for all the little people coping with ALS. Over the years it has become the favorite of several organizations. Make it one of yours.
-
DynaVox Technologies Unveils the V and Vmax with InterAACT Communication, Computing, and Support Easier than Ever Before. InterAACT, a clinical research-based language framework that provides ready-made vocabularies for emergent, situational and creative communicators. Drag-n-Drop editing makes it easy to select images, sounds and video from the Internet, a computer or external drive and assign them to pages or buttons. Test drive one today at; Dynavox.
- Senator Schilling? The Herald Pulse asked; Who should be the Republican challenger to Sen. John Kerry in 2008? The Poll posted Curt Schilling as the leading contender out of seven. Curt's not so sure, but fans think he's just the ticket. If he doesn't have an extension by the end of spring training, Schilling says he won't negotiate during the season and will become a free agent for the first time in his career after the 2007 World Series. The ALS community would be pleased with any outcome. We know Curt will aways stay committed to ALS no matter what he decides.
|
 |
Rilutek
Dual Purpose - Improves Depression?
$800.00 a month, that's depressing. |
NEW YORK - Riluzole [Rilutek®], a drug for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that targets glutamate cycling in the brain, can markedly improve depression in some patients who remain highly symptomatic despite treatment with other antidepressants, Dr. Steven F. Kendell reported at a symposium sponsored by NARSAD, the Mental Health Research Association.
Though the findings are still preliminary, they are in accord with a growing body of data indicating that the glutaminergic and GABAergic neuron systems may be as important in the etiology of depression as are the more commonly targeted serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, he said.
More...
Wednesday, 21-Feb-2007
Erik L. Goldman
"We will not be hidden and left to die ever again!
Get used to it.... "
Aug. 7,1958 / Aug. 9,2003
|
|
.jpg)
 We are pleased to tell you that our web site is in phase I of a 2007 renovation project. Check back often.
|
Questions or comments?
E-mail Leon Peek
4594 Ashton Court
Naples, FL. 34112-8822
(877) 884-4798
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
|
|
Unauthorized distribution or commercial use of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. Subscribers are granted permission to forward this newsletter, so long as the newsletter is forwarded in its entirety, without charge, and ALS March of Faces is given credit as the author. |
|
.jpg)
