Dr. Hans Keirstead to Receive a $25,000 Grant from the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On Saturday, June 6, Dr. Hans Keirstead, whose team developed the first FDA approved embryonic stem cell-derived treatment for spinal cord injuries, will present his latest findings at a cocktail reception. The host of the evening is the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research who will award their first ever grant in the amount of $25,000.

WHERE: Palms Hotel & Spa, 3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

RSVP (required): The reception is open to the public and media. RSVP to Sabrina@sabrinacohenfoundation.org

“My foundation is elated to support such promising work and eager to award Dr. Keirstead with a gift to further his research and ensure our commitment to this field” said Sabrina Cohen, who founded her nonprofit to raise awareness and funds for stem cell research. “It’s an exciting time with the recent shift in policy and announcement of the first FDA approved human trial.”

Dr. Keirstead, Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Co-Director of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at the UC Irvine Reeve-Irvine Research Center, will be the Keynote Speaker and Award Recipient of the night.

The event is being held to thank supporters and inspire others to join in Sabrina’s efforts. Up to 200 South Floridians, including local politicians and business owners, will attend the intimate affair at The Palms Hotel.

Nearly 1.6 million Americans are living with some form of paralysis that may benefit from stem cell research. Sabrina suffered her spinal cord injury in an automobile accident when she was 14 years old.

Based in Miami Beach, the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research, a 501c3 non-profit organization, was founded in 2006 by advocate and quadriplegic, Sabrina Cohen, who has been living with a spinal cord injury since 1992. The foundation is dedicated to becoming a leader in the fight against disease and recognized as an “Organization for Cures.”

Event sponsors: Miami Physical Therapy, Magno International, Great Florida Bank, 944 Magazine

Hello bloggers! I know its been a while since the last update on my stem cell research adventures but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been keeping busy! Since my last posting I’ve held multiple events, including my Second & Third Annual “Bowling for Breakthroughs” at Lucky Strike Lanes in Miami Beach (April 2008, March 2009), my First Annual “Casino Night to Promote the Fight” (November 2008), and Happy Hours at the Shore Club (April & May 2009). I’ve talked at so many different functions, including the Stem Cell Conference last year at the University of Wisconsin in conjunction with the Genetics Policy Institute.

Regarding my foundation, I’m pleased to announce that Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Representative Dan Gelber and Florida State Representative Richard Steinberg just joined my Honorary Board! Joining my Science Advisory Board are Dr. Joshua Hare, Director of the Stem Cell Interdisciplinary Institute in Miami, and Dr. Camillo Ricordi from the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami. Joining my Advisory Board include Bernard Siegel from the Genetics Policy Institute, Alan T. Brown (PR guru and spinal cord injury advocate and fundraiser) and David Evensky (financial advisor).

As I boarded flight 425 to Boston on October 1, 2007, an air of excitement entertained me. With my mom by my side, pen and pad in hand, I knew this would be a very important trip, one full of emotion, filled with much significance. The Stem Cell Summit 2007… hosted by the Genetics Policy Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Burrill Life Sciences Media Group was about to take place.

So there I was, gathering with close to 600 of the world’s leading stem cell researchers, patient advocates, pharmaceutical and biotech executives, and people from the venture capital world. The 3 day adventure began with a VIP Cocktail Reception the evening before the conference. I met with Brock Reeve, Exec Director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Steven Burrill, president of Burrill Life Sciences Media Group, and of course, my mentor and friend Bernie Siegel with the Genetics Policy Institute. They all seemed pretty calm and cool, but I’m sure the nerves were kicking in as all 3 men were about to play a huge role in the conference.

As expected, the next morning I arrived at the Hynes Convention Center bright and early, surrounded by an enthused crowd. Bernie made the welcoming remarks and introduced a panel of experts to kick start. Not too long after, I felt tears streaming down my face as fellow advocate Brooke Ellison took stage and spoke of her struggles with a spinal cord injury. Not only could I relate, I wanted to help. Even more. Not only myself, or her, but the thousands suffering who don’t have the opportunity to share their words. What a way to start the conference. Full of meaning, full of hope.

The day and and a half progressed into more meaning and more hope, as some of the top scientists in the field, including Doug Melton, Steven Eggan and Camillo Ricordi, spoke. We heard from the biotech companies and venture capitalists to get their business perspective on the issue. The awards dinner was a great way to acknowledge some of the leaders in the field, including the Student Society for Stem Cell Research, and Micheal J. Fox. I spoke on a panel to introduce the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research and my advocacy efforts. By my side was Eve Harold (author of Stem Cell Wars), Don Reed (Roman -Reed Act) Sean Tipton, Tricia Brooks and Michael Mangelio (formerly associates of the Christopher Reeve Foundation). I think it gave a unique perspective on how one individual can make a difference.
By afternoon, we broke out into smaller session groups. I attended the “Cancer and Stem Cells” as I was most curious to hear the progress with that disease since it is less talked about. I figured out why, since its pretty complex. I thoroughly enjoyed a round-table discussion with John Hlinko, a friend, advocate and member of my board. We discussed what role stem cell research will play in the 2008 political elections. Cynthia Poreh, another friend and member of my board, flew in from Miami to attend the conference and learn more. I believe she got much out of it and is excited to do more, as am I.

Overall, it was a fabulous educational and networking experience. Bernie, you were “Over the top!”

To read more about the summit and see how my “Unlock the Cells” slogan made an appearance at the event, please visit
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2007/10.04/09-stemcell.html

Earlier this morning I was interviewed on The Jim DeFede Show on 940 WINZ, a progressive radio talk show, to discuss my thoughts as an advocate about how I feel over President Bush’s decision to once again veto legislation that would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Included in my 20 minute interview I said that despite my opposition to his decision, the government will not slow down alternative means of funding this research, such as private funding, state, and organizations like the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research. If anything, it only fuels us to work harder.

I really enjoyed the opportunity to express my thoughts. To hear my interview and everything else I had to say visit www.sabrinacohenfoundation.org, under “Newsroom”

So just last week I returned from a 2 week trip to Washington DC and Baltimore. On April 22 I attended an all day Scientific Symposium hosted by Unite to Fight Paralysis and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. We heard medical updates from Dr Wise Young and Dr John McDonald, among others, about finding a cure for paralysis via stem cells and other sources. Dr. Young is doing some great studies in China, while Dr. McDonald stressed the importance of exercizing to keep our bodies healthy for when a cure arrives. I met representatives from Geron, Boston Life Sciences and Novartis Institute. The speeches were very informative and inspiring. On April 24, a rally on Capitol Hill took place, where speeches were given by patient advocates, including myself, and advocates of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act. After the rally, dedicated supporters split up to speak with delagates from their state to stress the importance of passing this act. For more info about the Symposium & Rally, please visit www.sci.rutgers.edu and search for Working 2 Walk 2007. Regarding the rest of my stay in Baltimore, I joined Dr. McDonalds FES Program (electrical stim) for 2 weeks and was thrilled with my treatment - Occupational & Physical Therapy. I worked out everyday for 4 hours and left feeling fabulous! I would recommend the program to anyone who has been affected by a spinal cord injury because it motivates you to exercize all the muscles you have while strengthening them. It is important to note however, that 2 weeks is just the beginning… now the work will begin on my own at home everyday. If anyone is interested in hearing more, please drop me a line. That’s it for now…

Yesterday, I visited my elementary school to speak with the kids about my injury and stem cell foundation. I hadn’t been in the auditorium where I spoke for close to 15 years! It was great… lots of memories, saw my fabulous teachers (who still look great) and met lots of the students. They all had great questions, including “Do I agree with the Bush Administration on the issue of stem cell research?” NO! So that’s why I started SCF. I wish I could have stayed longer but I’ll be back soon. You guys were great…

Almost one week out, and the response from the release of the first Infinite Solutions Newsletter from my foundation was great. It’s very encouraging to see all the support I’m receiving from friends, family and strangers.Thanks so much. I hope you enjoyed the material, including the pictures from “Bowling for Breakthroughs,” video footage, an intro to The S.C.R.E.AM Music Tour, and info about this years “Unite 2 Fight Paralysis” rally in DC. I’ll be back later to post some pics…

A 2006 poll indicates that 72% of Americans support embryonic
stem cell research. This majority is further bolstered by an
overwhelming coalition of our nation’s scientists and a
bipartisan majority in Congress. This past November, Americans
only further revealed their commitment to expanding this
research, electing pro-stem cell candidates by a wide margin.

Unfortunately, the religious right — the only major interest
group in America that opposes this ground-breaking research –
continues to urge our leaders to put their agenda above the
lives and health of Americans.

I’ve sent a letter to my Senators urging them to help garner a
veto-proof majority for this bill. Will you join me? Click this
link to show your support for stem cell research:
http://ga3.org/campaign/stemcell_senate?rk=a7xi4kp1EAJqW

Early this morning I attended and spoke at a conference held by Prosperity Life Planning, a nonprofit organization focussed on how to protect the future and benefits of children with special needs. Jaret & Karen Vogel run the organization and started it because they have a son with Autism. I met the couple over a year ago, told them about my involvement with stem cell research and how the science is being used to understand the disease and possibly treat it one day. Since then, they have taught me much about the disease and how it effects ones life and family. Because of their interest and support of my efforts with SCR, they invited me to introduce my foundation to their people. The event was held at the Palm Beach Habilitation Center and the panel discussion surrounded how to properly structure and create a financial plan in the event that your child or someone you love is born with a developmental disability. Other ladies who spoke included Arlene Lakin, Attorney, mother of a developmentally disabled child, who writes Special Needs Trusts and Guardianships and Elaine Terner, “ExceptionalDesigns,” mother of a child with autism, and an Interior Designer for the Special Needs home. I’m glad I had the opportunity to collaborate with this group, hear their points of view and then speak on behalf of education, hope and possibility.