Diabetes affects 18.2 million Americans. Of those, 5.2 million don't even know they have diabetes. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in America. Among adults aged 20-74, diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness. More than 60% of all non-traumatic leg amputations occur in people with diabetes.
To you and President Bush, these may just be statistics. Unfortunately, for me, I live with these numbers every day because my father has diabetes. My father, who once was one of Pennsylvania's finest golfers, no longer can play because diabetes has taken both his eye sight and legs.
This is why I strongly support embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cell research is the most promising pathway to curing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, stem cell research allows scientists to better explore how to control and direct stem cells so they can grow into other cells, such as insulin-producing beta cells found in the pancreas. Creating new beta cells could mean a cure for type 1 diabetes as they would serve as a replenishable source of cells for islet cell transplantation. They could also provide a powerful tool for controlling type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, this science benefits more than diabetes. Those afflicted with Alzheimer's, Lou Gehrig's Disease or ALS, Sickle Cell Anemia, etc. could also realize their dream for a cure.
I understand the President's position, I just think he is wrong. All of the embryos available for this research will never become viable human beings. So, instead of allowing these cells to contribute to the qualify of life, President Bush would rather have these cells contribute to our land fills. Fortunately, all of my Congressional representatives agree with me. Unfortunately, those that see the promise in this research aren't enough to override a presidential veto.
2006 is coming.
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