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I am forwarding a message received last night from the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR). For new list members (and old members who may have forgotton about this organization) -- it is a coalition of patient groups and organizations dealing with many different diseases, medical researchers, academic institutions and medical centers, advocating for federal funding of stem cell research. Among CAMR's members are the : Parkinson's Action Network, ALS Association, American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, Cancer Research Foundation, Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Columbia University, Duke University Medical Center, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, and about 50 others. This is the first communication sent by CAMR since September 11th. See their website for more info: www.stemcellfunding.org Linda --------- Forwarded message ---------- From: [log in to unmask] To: [log in to unmask] Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2001 21:19:54 -0700 Subject: CAMR Advocacy Update ADVOCACY UPDATE The tragic events of September 11 have had a profound impact on all of us. In light of these attacks and their aftermath, we wanted to provide you with an update on the next steps for CAMR and our advocacy for stem cell research. First, we want to assure you that CAMR is still functioning as a coalition and that we are continuing to work to ensure that stem cell research receives the federal support necessary to lead to treatments and cures for the millions of Americans who suffer from devastating diseases and conditions. However, it is important to realize that the focus of the federal government has changed considerably since the September 11 attacks. Congress and the Administration are concentrating almost entirely on issues relating to national security, the economic situation, and on finalizing the fiscal year 2002 budget. This means that many important issues-among them whether to broaden the Administration's stem cell research policy-are likely to remain off the agenda until next year. We will, however, work to ensure that the Administration's current policy is implemented as fully as possible. In addition, we will continue to try to determine whether the Administration's limited approach is scientifically sufficient to lead to the cures that are so important to us. If we find it not to be so, we will take this up on our agenda as soon as possible in the coming legislative year. Finally, we will continue our efforts to educate the public, Congress, and the Administration about stem cell research. Each of you who have called, written and e-mailed your legislators and the President have made a tremendous difference in ensuring that federal funding will be available for some stem cell research, albeit in a more limited way than we support. Thank you for all of your efforts. We will be sure to keep in touch with you as developments occur. Board of Directors Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn