Tuesday Evening, October 5, 2010 - Detroit Marriot Renaissance Center, Columbus Ballroom

Join GPI in honoring the stem cell community’s top innovators, leaders, and champions at the 2010 Stem Cell Action Awards Dinner. Participate in the celebration as GPI recognizes the organizations and individuals who have had the most positive impact on the stem cell community.

 

The 2010 Honorees Include: Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (National Leadership Award); A. Alfred Taubman (National Advocacy Award); Stem Cell Network, Canada (Education Award); Stephen and Barbara Byer and ALS Worldwide (Grassroots Advocacy Award); Laura Jackson (Inspiration Award)
 
Support the stem cell community and RSVP today for the Stem Cell Action Awards Dinner

Here are the 2010 Stem Cell Action honorees:

Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (National Leadership Award) - Governor Granholm is a long-time champion of stem cell research targeting lifesaving treatments to alleviate human suffering. Since taking office, she has effectively promoted Michigan’s biotech industry, which is now one of the fastest growing biotech sectors in the nation. The Governor has specifically targeted the burgeoning field of stem cell commercialization and regenerative medicine as a job creation and growth area for the state.

A. Alfred Taubman (National Advocacy Award) – A. Alfred Taubman’s visionary leadership has resulted in the establishment of the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute at the University of Michigan, which is doing innovative stem cell research focusing on developing treatments for ALS, cancer and a host of other medical conditions. His support for Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures and Cure Michigan made the critical difference in ending the restrictive legislation governing stem cell research in the state.

Canadian Stem Cell Network (Education Award) – The Network’s extraordinary commitment to public education has made it a model for other stakeholder groups. Some of the projects include the promotion of “Stem Cell Talks” public presentations; the production of a suite of summaries on stem cells, disease and ethics; and scientific support of the web site www.stemcellschool.org.

Stephen Byer, Barbara Byer and ALS WORLDWIDE (Grassroots Advocacy Award) - Ben Byer’s ALS diagnosis in 2002 propelled his parents, Stephen and Barbara Byer, to learn about stem cell protocols and other potential treatments for him and many others. After Ben’s death in 2008, they formalized their efforts by launching ALS WORLDWIDE, a not-for-profit organization committed to scientific research interpretation, patient advocacy and care. Their work toward distinguishing legitimate clinical trials from invalid treatments has had far-reaching influence. Over 5,000 patient families have benefited from the support ALS WORLDWIDE provides.

Laura Jackson (Inspiration Award) – Paralyzed in a cheerleading accident seven years ago, Laura Jackson has become a tireless and effective advocate for stem cell research. This lovely and articulate young woman has spoken at dozens of events under the auspices of Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures. She is also nationally recognized as a spokesperson on the issue of cheerleading safety.

“The Genetics Policy Institute’s Stem Cell Action Awards are presented at the annual World Stem Cell Summit, which is often referred to as the ‘conference of hope.’ We recognize the dedicated individuals and organizations that positively impact the cause of stem cell research. These exemplary heroes, through their actions and inspiration, bring us hope that treatments and cures will come about sooner rather than later,” said Bernard Siegel, Executive Director of GPI.

Past honorees include Michael J. Fox, Brooke Ellison, Bob Klein, Danny Heumann, Don Reed, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, Hadassah, the Parkinson’s Action Network, the National Association of Biology Teachers and many other prominent individuals and organizations.

You are invited to join GPI in honoring the stem cell community’s top innovators, leaders, and champions at the 2010 Stem Cell Action Awards Dinner. Participate in the celebration as GPI recognizes the organizations and individuals who have had the most positive impact on the stem cell community.

World Stem Cell Summit attendees may purchase discounted tickets during registration for $99.00. To purchase additional tickets for guests/family members who are not attending the Summit, please email admin@genpol.org.

Space is limited, so reserve your ticket today and don’t miss out.

2009 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

2009 National Leadership Award
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. Since taking office, Governor O’Malley has spearheaded a number of strategic investments in Maryland’s bioscience industry. In addition to creating the Life Science Advisory Board, he has been instrumental in securing funding for bio initiatives, including $59 million over three years for Maryland’s Stem Cell Research Fund, thereby continuing Maryland’s innovative leadership in the burgeoning field of regenerative medicine. He serves as a national example of effective governmental leadership in the field of regenerative medicine.

2009 International Advocacy Award
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF). JDRF is the global leader in research leading to a cure for type 1 diabetes. It sets the agenda for type 1 diabetes research and is the largest charitable funder and advocate of diabetes science worldwide. JDRF has played a historic role in advocating for new federal funding guidelines for stem cell research and directly funds diabetes research into the use of adult, embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells in the pursuit of a cure for diabetes.

2009 Education Award
Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research & Cures (MCSCRC). MCSCRC is dedicated to educating the citizens of the State of Michigan, including public officials and policy makers, about the complex science, biomedical potential and current policies affecting stem cell research in Michigan. In 3 years, the organization engaged in over 300 presentations, 10 radio programs and 11 cable and television shows for a statewide educational program that reached over 2 million citizens throughout the state.

2009 Grassroots Advocacy Award
Cure Michigan. In 2008, 2.5 million citizens of Michigan voted to protect embryonic stem cell research in the state constitution. Cure Michigan organized this successful ballot initiative campaign and remains Michigan's leader promoting the advancement of state and national embryonic stem cell research and policy.

2009 Inspiration Award
Margaret Conn Himelfarb. Margaret, whose son has type 1 diabetes, has worked tirelessly and effectively to promote stem cell research. She founded the coalition Maryland Families for Stem Cell Research and led the statewide grassroots campaign for stem cell research funding. She serves on the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission, the Johns Hopkins Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee, and JDRF’s International Board of Chancellors. A legendary advocate for JDRF, Margaret spearheaded the successful national campaign for a Diabetes Awareness postage stamp.

2009 Inspiration Award
John L. Kellermann, III. John has courageously battled Parkinson’s disease with his characteristic resilience and courage. He made an important leadership contribution to the grassroots organization Maryland Families for Stem Cell Research. An exemplary and inspiring voice for patients and their families, John testified both in Annapolis and Washington in favor of stem cell research. He serves is a member of the Maryland Stem Cell Research Commission.
 

2008 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES

2008 National Leadership Award
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. Governor Doyle is a stalwart and courageous supporter of stem cell research and a proponent of Wisconsin’s strategic goal to invest $750 million in biotechnology and stem cell research. Outspoken and eloquent, Governor Doyle is a leading spokesperson for the advancement of potentially lifesaving discovery.

2008 National Advocacy Award
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Carrying on the legacies of its founders, Christopher and Dana Reeve, the Foundation continues to be a significant leader in the world effort in support for stem cell research. Through its effective education, outreach, advocacy and funding support, the Foundation brings us closer to finding a cure to paralysis through the study of stem cells.

2008 Education Award
National Association of Biology Teachers. For the last 70 years, this non-profit association has served over 9,000 teachers, upholding scientific integrity and fighting for the right to teach accurate and current science without penalty from political or religious influence on content.

2008 Inspiration Award
Brooke Ellison. Brooke’s heroic struggle and message of hope after a devastating injury left her paralyzed has inspired millions, as chronicled through her book, a movie and in an upcoming documentary to be premiered in September. She has founded The Brooke Ellison Project (http://brookeellisonproject.org) dedicated to the advancement of stem cell research.

2008 Grassroots Advocacy
Ben Kaplan. Ben came onto the stem cell scene in a compelling promotional piece in support for California’s Prop 71. Ben was born with cerebral palsy, a fate not shared by his twin brother. He is a grassroots leader of the first rank and his ongoing creation “Bens Stem Cell News” (http://bensstemcellnews.blogspot.com) is where many advocates obtain the very latest online progress report from the front lines of science, regulation and politics.

2005-2007 Stem Cell Action Awards:

2007 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES
Michael J. Fox
Parkinson' Action Network
Dr. Ralph Dittman
Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures

2006 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES
Bob Klein
Hadassah
Don Reed
Student Society for Stem Cell Research
Luca Coscioni Association

2005 STEM CELL ACTION AWARD HONOREES
Danny Heumann
Coalition for Advancement of Medical Research
Texans for Advancement of Medical Research