These are Stories of Hope and include people who may benefit from, or have already benefitted from biomedical research.

Say Hello To...Sharon Victor, Art & Ceramics Teacher

It is unconscionable that the priorities of this nation are on spending billions of dollars on war rather than financing life-giving research. --Sharon Victor

Sharon Victor is a woman of extraordinary accomplishments, but her most important role to date is “activist Mom.“ As a teacher, artist, international traveler, and single mom of Sean, Chris, Holly and Michael, Sharon’s days were always crowded, often rewarding, occasionally frustrating and consistently challenging. But, on a few fateful days in 2002, the focus of her life changed dramatically.

The family was gathering for Sharon’s son, Chris Victor’s wedding. Sharon’s youngest son, Sean Cannon, 25, (a cum laude graduate of Temple University with an exciting job as a film editor for ABC) had flown in from Los Angeles and was intent on setting up 200 chairs for the ceremony. But, Sharon recalls, Sean was exceptionally tired--even before he attempted to set up the chairs, and his hands felt numb. At the post-wedding brunch the following day, Sean turned to his mom and said, “I’m still very sick. I need to go to the hospital.”

Observing Sean’s symptoms, a knowledgeable relative whispered “Multiple Sclerosis.” Almost immediately, Sharon began to imagine the unimaginable. The ER doctors suggested Sean see a neurologist. Sean’s girlfriend, Jina, called her uncle, Dr. Charles McElroy, an internist in Santa Monica, and Sean and Jina flew back to L.A. The whisper became a shout when Dr. McElroy made the diagnosis. Sean had MS.

Sharon was on her way to Ireland when she received the devastating news. She went to L.A. instead.

Sharon Victor has been raising awareness and funds for MS research ever since. She is most appreciative of her husband, Abraham Leibson and her family, friends and neighbors for their ongoing support. She is also totally committed to bringing the promise of stem cell research to Sean and the thousands who suffer from this devastating disease. “We are so behind the times in stem cell research, “she says. “I have written to President Bush, Vice President Cheney and several of our representatives in Congress, telling them about my son, pleading for their help in supporting stem cell research, imploring them to make the possibilities of remission and cure a reality. Unbelievably, they sent me back a form letter.”

Introducing...Richard Gaskin, ProfessirX

Your spinal cord contains bundles of nerve fibers which act like a telephone line, relaying messages from your brain (the telephone switchboard) via the spinal cord (the telephone cable) to all parts of your body (the telephone receivers.) In Quadriplegia, the spinal cord is damaged so the messages cannot be sent to the parts of your body below the damaged area. - - http://paraplegic-online.com

Functionality of C5/C6 Spinal Cord Injury:
Full head and neck movement with good muscle strength.
Good shoulder movement.
Complete paralysis of body and legs. - - www.apparelyzed.com

For Richard Gaskin, a perfect day would include:

• Being a DJ
• Breakdancing
• Washing his own body
• Hugging all the girls

Unfortunately.... Richard has been a C5/C6 quadriplegic since 1987, when a gunshot wound shattered his dreams. For the guy known as DJ Hung Gar-a martial arts enthusiast and acclaimed entertainer on the DNA-Hank Love Radio Show-the turntable skills that made him famous were extinguished in one terrible moment. His world collapsed, and every one of the last 6570 days has presented enormous challenges.

A son of New York, Richard was born in the Bronx and grew up in Far Rockaway, Queens, where his interest in music flourished and grew. By the age of 20, he was on his way to a spectacular career when the unthinkable happened, and he was shot.

After his spinal cord injury, paralyzed but not crippled, Richard reclaimed his future. Today, with the extraordinary support of family and friends-and the use of one palm and one finger-Richard has become the rapper known as ProfessirX, a lyricist, a video editor and head of his own record label, PBU (Power By Unity) Productions. He is also an active supporter of stem cell research, hoping one day not only "to get my hands back" but to see the thousands of other suffering from debilitating injuries and diseases regain the basic skills required to lead an independent life. "Stem cell research," he says, "is everyone's future."

Please check out www.professirx.com for an in-depth portrait of Richard and his amazing journey.

Say Hello to...Patricia Falconi and Wilma Pastrana

Patricia and Wilma share many of life's pleasures. They both enjoy:

• Cake decorating
• Shopping
• Going to the beach
• Visiting Disneyworld in Florida
• Family celebrations with their 9 sisters and 1 brother, their spouses and their many nieces and nephews
• Family gatherings for birthdays, holidays and special events
• Family is what it is all about!

Beyond good times and family gatherings, however, they also share a life altering experience. In 2002, Patricia was in kidney failure. Dialysis was not an option and a kidney transplant was her only hope. Thanks to the generosity and courage of her older sister, Patricia received Wilma's left kidney and today she is doing well.

But the realities are always present. Each sister has only one kidney and if that kidney fails...the results will be devastating. Stem cell research holds enormous promise for Patricia and Wilma. Recent advances are indicating that one day soon scientists may be able to reproduce an exact organ match, thereby eliminating the arduous process of finding a compatible donor and the ever-present threat of rejection. For Patricia and Wilma and so many others, in stem cell research lies the hope of a healthy future and the joy of hundreds of family celebrations.

Introducing...Carl Riccio

My son Carl Riccio was born January 22, 1986, he was a beautiful healthy baby. At a young age Carl showed signs of his promising athletic abilities. He walked at nine months old, swam and rode a two wheel bike at two and a half. As he grew into a young boy he played on many all-star travel baseball and basketball teams, was the quarterback for Pop-Warner football, he surfed each summer and wrestled since he was five.

In high school he was an outstanding three time Somerset County champion wrestler in three different weight classes. Carl was a stand out as a baseball player too. He made the Junior Pre Season All American team, only 100 juniors throughout the country receive this honor.

One of the most promising avenues of SCI research is stem cell research. This research is not just for Carl but for everyone who may be affected by diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and many more devastating diseases and conditions that afflict millions of people.

If there was a cure for SCI today, Carl would be playing baseball for Villanova University, surfing, wrestling with his brothers, spending time with family at the Jersey shore and enjoying a normal healthy life as a college student. We look forward to the day when these dreams will be a reality and Carl will walk by our side once again.

Forever Hopeful,
Tricia Riccio
carlricciotrust.com

Say Hello to...Linda & Arthur Willner

For Linda and Arthur, a wonderful future would include:

• Visiting their children and grandchildren
• Walking on the beach
• Fishing
• Traveling to Alaska and Hawaii

Unfortunately...breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, cancer of the lymph nodes, are standing in the way. Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989. Surgery and medication provided a respite, but a recurrence in 1997 led to chemotherapy and radiation. Arthur was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2004. At the moment, chemotherapy has his disease under control. But, for both Linda and Arthur, the anxiety of never knowing when their cancers may return is ever present.

Stem cell research offers not only the possibility of cures, but, as Linda so eloquently phrased it, the opportunity for their genetic heirs--Gail, Susan, Margie, Molly, Jack, Sara, Max, Cory, Emma and Andrew--to look forward to a healthy future.

Introducing...Elinor Adler

If she had her druthers, Elinor would:

• Whirl around the dance floor with her husband
• Run after her grandsons, Mitchell & Drew
• Visit Hawaii

But...Elinor was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1981. At that time, she was a medical technician, the busy Mom of two teenagers, her husband's Sunday afternoon golf partner, and an active volunteer for National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association. In the ensuing 24 years, MS has not dampened her spirit, but has seriously impacted her ability to do the things she loves. Elinor became full-time wheel chair dependent in 1994, and continue to experience a progressive decline in physical abilities. Today, as a patient advocate, Elinor Adler is an avid supporter of stem cell research; she feels it is a natural extension of her ongoing efforts for the MS community.

Say Hello to...Alice & Benjamin Guaimano

In the best of all worlds, Alice and Ben would ...

• Take their dog Maggie for a walk
• Feed the birds
• Travel to Florida
• Shop at Wegmans

Today, however, these "everyday" pleasures are a constant challenge. For some time, Alice has been dealing with trigeminal neuralgia, a neuropathic disorder of the trigeminal nerve that causes episodes of intense pain in her eyes, lips, nose, forehead, and jaw. In February of 2005, she was diagnosed with skin cancer. In 2002, Ben had a silent heart attack.

For Alice and Ben, stem cell research holds the promise of living life without pain, and of curing the devastating diseases that imperil their lives.

Introducing...Gene Coggshall

In Denmark,
where we were mistaken
At the dance they mistook us
for brother and sister, &
(afterward) your gloved hand
crooked around my neck
had the too-familiar feel
of a mother's caress, &
(when the music was over)
we walked home beside the lake
and you leaned close to ask
if I still looked for Ophelia
there.

G.E. Coggshall 02/05

For Gene, life would be enormously satisfying if he could:

• Make himself heard
• Carve the turkey
• Share the stage with Poet Laureate Billy Collins once again
• Keep up with grandaughter Lily
• Remember the punch line

In 1984, at the age of 40, Gene Coggshall was diagnosed with Parkinson¹s disease, a motor system disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, impaired balance, and difficulty in walking, swallowing, and speaking. At the time, he was a gifted poet and short-story writer, the author of "Frankie the Rat Man and Baron von Ronk" (1980) and "Wee, Tim'rous Beastie" (1982), an executive at a leading manufacturer of technical training systems, the dynamic father of Emily, Jane, Daniel, and Libby, and the best friend of his wife, Donna.

Today, Gene¹s enjoyment of life is seriously compromised by the effects of Parkinson¹s. Medications are increasingly ineffective and the possibility of recapturing his former competencies seems to be receding into the mist.

Except for the potential of stem cell research. Therein lies the possibility of reversal, remission, and cure.

Say Hello to...Michelle McBride

In her fondest dreams, by the time she is 16, Michelle would:

• Not need a minimum of 3 insulin injections every day
• Be able to participate in all school and non-school activities-"like any normal kid"
• Never be concerned that one morning--because of insulin shock-- she's just not going to wake up

Michelle McBride is 11 years old. On a normal day, you might find her in class, playing softball, shootin' hoops, or chatting up current and former governors (think Whitman, McGreevey and Codey), Senators (think Corzine and Lautenberg) and Representatives (think Frelinghuysen and Hastert) about diabetes issues and concerns.

A dedicated activist, Michelle also offers support to kids who are newly diagnosed and teaches other children to be child advocates. She also enjoys Broadway shows, cool restaurants and checking out D.C.'s monuments and museums.

In January of 1998, Michelle was diagnosed with Type I diabetes, a disease in which her body cannot regulate the amount of sugar (glucose) in her blood. Type I and Type II diabetes affect more than 18 million Americans, and that number is increasing. This disease can cause serious health complications; it is a leading cause of heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and non accidental amputations, and the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Michelle's Dad, John McBride, a passionate Parent Advocate, and his fiancee, Sylvia Pena, created Miles for Michelle, a foundation dedicated to raising funds for research into a cure for all types of diabetes. They are rdent supporters of Stem Cell research. Recent studies indicate that stem cell treatments for diabetes hold great promise; hopefully, by Michelle's 16th birthday, her fear of "not waking up" will be a distant notion.

Introducing...Joan Murphy Stack

For Joan, a marvelous day would include:

• Walking without fear of falling
• Planting a garden
• Giving a party
• Dancing all night

For Joan Stack, a legendary broadcaster whose interviews from The Joan Stack Show now reside in the permanent collection of The Broadcast Museums of Television and Radio in Manhattan and Beverly Hills, the major event of 1991 was supposed to be the beginning of a new career as a free-lance publicist for arts organizations. She had just wrapped an 18-year career doing an extremely popular "chat show from a bar"- an Irish interviewer's colorful description of her daily talk show.

Interviewees had included Dennis Frantz, James Michener, Tiny Tim, The Amazing Kreskin, Butterfly McQueen, Gloria Steinhem, Tom Clancy, Pete Rose, Maureen Dowd, Erma Bombeck, Red Grooms, Duane Hanson, Edward Albee, Eli Wallach, Peter Max and Dr. Ruth-and Joan was now eagerly anticipating "the next chapter." Her major event of 1991 was NOT supposed to be a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease...but life inevitably delivers the unexpected.

In the ensuing years, Joan has experienced many of the symptoms of this devastating neurological disease. Tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination have become daily companions. Fortunately, Parkinson's has not impaired her sense of humor. "Life in the slow lane," she says, "is an ongoing challenge!"

For Joan and her family: sons Pat, a comedian and former partner of Nathan Lane and Tim, a writer, actor and producer; daughter Nina, President of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers; and grandchildren Murphy, Doyle, Emma, and Winnie, stem cell research holds the promise of resuming life as it was before Parkinson's, when a challenge meant booking Abbie Hoffman and Caesar Chavez in the same week, not trying to answer the phone before the caller hangs up. "If that happens," Joan says, "I'll just jump up and down!"

Joan believes a cure is right around the corner. "And, though it may be too late for me," she says, "those younger than I need to have Parkinson's-free lives."

Say Hello to ...Charlie Coates

For Charlie, a wonderful future would include:

• Sleepovers with friends
• Relinquishing his insulin pump
• Not doing seven finger sticks a day

Charlie Coates is 12 years old. He loves soccer, swimming, computer games, trampolining, and playing with friends. A cool trombonist and budding drummer, he also loves rock 'n roll and traveling to new and exciting places.

One week shy of his first birthday, Charlie was diagnosed with Type I diabetes, a disease in which his body is unable to regulate the amount of sugar in his blood. Equipped with an insulin pump and surrounded by caring parents and professionals, Charlie boldly forges ahead, an enthusiastic participant in all that life has to offer. But, because diabetes never takes a holiday, he must always be vigilant. Too much sugar and ketoacidosis results; his body will shut down. Too much insulin and insulin shock results; his body will respond with headaches, confusion, seizures, coma.

Charlie's dad, David Coates, was encouraged by a medical breakthrough five years ago that successfully infused insulin producing beta cells harvested from cadavers. Today, in stem cell research, he sees the potential for cure. Embryonic stem cells may be the best source of beta cells, and beta cell transplantation may be the answer.

Stem cell research offers Charlie Coates the possibility of fully realizing his enormous potential. Hopefully, one day soon, he will travel alone -without fear- to the far places of the world.

Stories of Possibility

Say Hello to...Charlie Rose

For Charlie Rose, two of the most beautiful words in the English language are "in remission". In 1995, Charlie was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. After an initial course of treatment proved unsuccessful, Charlie was referred to the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, headed by Dr. Bart Barlogie, a nationally acclaimed innovator in the treatment of multiple myeloma. In the summer and fall of 1996, Charlie received two autologous stem cell transplants (transplants using his own stem cells); after the second transplant, he was classified as "in remission."

Today, supplemented by an every-other-day dose of thalidomide and several additional medications, Charlie's state of remission continues and he has resumed his dental practice, attends Giants football games and related tail gate parties and, during the summer months, enjoys fishing, swimming and family outings. "Being in remission does not mean that all is OK, " he says. "I have good days and bad days. However, the good days win out!"

Prior to the 1980s, people with multiple myeloma could only hope for a positive outcome. When researchers discovered the benefits of stem cell transplants, their hopes became a reality.

Introducing....Bob Marlin

For Bob Marlin, life is especially rewarding because he is able to:

• Enjoy the family, which includes his wife, Joyce; daughter Suzanne; son Myron; and fabulous grandchildren: Amanda, 13; Rachel, 10; Michelle, 3; and Daniel, 2 months!
• Maintain a private counseling practice.
• Participate in The Opportunity Project, an organization dedicated to empowering adults with brain injuries to achieve their greatest potential. The Opportunity Project provides vocational education, social and recreational services to all members on an individual basis.

As a Rehabilitation Counselor, Bob Marlin brings two invaluable credentials to the proverbial table: Certification in Recovery and Rehabilitation Counseling from UMDNJ and years of experience as a patient with a brain injury.

Prior to a devastating bike accident in 1992, Bob was a Director of Clinical Research for the pharmaceutical industry. After the accident, it took five weeks to wake up, six months to speak, and years of rehabilitation to regain the physical skills and mental acuity that he once enjoyed.

Today, as he helps people deal with the social, emotional and learning challenges that inevitably accompany brain injuries, Bob brings a unique perspective to his patients--and a consuming passion for improving the quality of their lives. Toward this goal, he is an ardent supporter of stem cell research, believing that "we can save ourselves" if we allocate our resources to the biomedical researchers who hold such enormous promise.

Family Stories

Say Hello to...The Greenberg Family

They knew each other...forever. She was 16, he was 19 and they had a long and wonderful marriage and a beautiful family--sons Roy, Robert and Scott, and grandchildren Sarah, Adam, Jason and Rebecca.

Melvin & Bea Greenberg--he was an engineer and she was a speech pathologist--loved movies, concerts, travel, and spending time with their grandchildren. "Melvin especially loved reading to the kids," Bea recalls. "And taking them to movies and parks and museums. They were very very close."

And then, in December of 1998, when Melvin was 70 years old and enjoying retirement, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Melvin had faced challenges before. He was a survivor of heart disease and cancer. But Parkinson's turned out to be devastating--to Melvin and his devoted family.

Bea remembers the terrible progression of the disease. "He was less and less able to function," she says. "He suffered from depression, impaired balance, nightmares, and hallucinations from his medication. Every part of his body was affected." On December 24, 2003, at the age of 75, Melvin Greenberg slipped into a coma and passed away.

Melvin's family promised him that they would try to resume their lives. Bea is closer than ever to her children and grandchildren, active in Hadassah and an enthusiastic participant in a theatre group. But, of primary importance, she has become an ardent supporter of stem cell research. "We don't want any other family to go through what we did, she says. "Sleepless nights, pain filled days, watching the person you love "disappear" before your eyes." Bea is a stem cell research activist, hoping that funding for research becomes a New Jersey priority, and that sooner rather than later a cure for this deadly disease becomes a reality.