Governor Doyle has proclaims a “Stem Cell Awareness Day” in Wisconsin

[PRESS RELEASE]

In a Proclamation released by the Office of the Governor, Governor Doyle recounts the leading role that the State of Wisconsin has played in the field of stem cell research, calling it “a field that represents not just an exponential advance in the sum total of human knowledge but also a ray of hope for countless families in Wisconsin and around the world that struggle daily with chronic disease or illness.” The Proclamation also notes that “stem cell research has entered a crucial phase with clinical trials being planned around the world to test potential therapies and cures for many diseases and chronic medical conditions.” Finally, the Proclamation declares September 23, 2009 to be Stem Cell Awareness Day throughout Wisconsin and encourages all citizens to learn more about the science of stem cell research and to continue to support the efforts of Wisconsin researchers to transform laboratory successes into future cures.

Ed Fallone, President of the advocacy group Wisconsin Stem Cell Now, praised the Proclamation. “Many people mistakenly assume that the election of the Obama Administration erased all of the barriers to pursuing stem cell research. The reality is that medical research in the field is still greatly underfunded, and that the recession and the federal budget deficit have limited the available funding. Stem Cell Awareness Day serves as a reminder to the public that continued support and advocacy is necessary to realize the potential of stem cell research as a source of cures and drug development.”

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine originated “Stem Cell Awareness Day” with the objectives of delivering information to the public about the science of stem cell research, raising awareness of the current state of research across all types of stem cell science, and conveying the future promise of stem cell science for a wide variety of therapies and diagnostic applications. “Stem Cell Awareness Day 2009 ” is being recognized nationally and internationally with events and proclamations on September 23.

Information about stem cell research and Stem Cell Awareness Day can be found at www.stemcellday.com.