*** "The gala marks an important milestone in the unification of diseases that can benefit from stem cell research.... " The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Pays Tribute to Nancy Reagan at the 'Finding a Cure ... A Love Story' Gala to Benefit Stem Cell Research Michael J. Fox Presents Former First Lady with Award LOS ANGELES, May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) paid tribute to former first Lady Nancy Reagan today at the "Finding a Cure ... A Love Story" event to benefit stem cell research, which raises hopes for the treatment of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson's disease, presented the tribute award to Mrs. Reagan for her commitment to the fight for a cure while witnessing daily, the ravaging effects of Alzheimer's on her beloved husband. Mrs. Reagan joined more than 100 Nobel Laureate scientists to endorse stem cell research as the future for many cures. The gala marks an important milestone in the unification of diseases that can benefit from stem cell research, which is presently the most promising approach to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes. During the gala, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart read letters from Presidents Ford, Carter and Clinton all voicing support for Mrs. Reagan's commitment to finding a cure. "Nancy Reagan has inspired all of us with her complete devotion to her husband and the often forgotten task of the daily caregiver. For the millions of Americans who struggle with the disease of a family member, her trusted voice has brought new hope to the fight for stem cell research," said honorary co-chairman Lucy Fisher. Master of Ceremonies Larry King welcomed and entertained guests throughout the evening and introduced speakers Dustin Hoffman and Leeza Gibbons. Dustin Hoffman presented Novo Nordisk with the Angel Award for its leadership in diabetes care. Leeza Gibbons, who has long fought for a cure for juvenile diabetes, gave remarks on stem cell research. Music legend James Taylor performed for guests following a children's choir that sang Promise to Remember Me. The gala is JDRF's first fundraising event specifically in support of stem cell research, from which many researchers believe the cure for diabetes, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other diseases may be identified. Approximately 128 million individuals could be successfully treated or cured by stem cell research. "JDRF is one of the leading health organizations supporting and funding stem cell research. To support this, JDRF created a new Stem Cell Development Fund which seeks to raise $20 million for this important field of research," said Peter Van Etten, president of JDRF. "Companies like Novo Nordisk are making it possible to reach our goals of finding a cure for more than 128 million people." Presented by Dustin Hoffman, Novo Nordisk received the Angel Award for their continued support in stem cell research. "Novo Nordisk is proud to be recognized with the Angel Award from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for our dedication to diabetes care and research and continued support of stem cell research. As a world leader in diabetes care, Novo Nordisk is dedicated to improving the lives of people with diabetes, and finding a cure is part of our vision," said Martin Soeters, president of Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc. About JDRF The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. The leading charitable underwriter and advocate for juvenile (Type 1) diabetes research worldwide, JDRF is the leading health organization that has publicly supported and funded stem cell research. SOURCE Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Web Site: http://www.jdrf.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- Source: reuters Nancy Reagan Calls for Stem Cell Research Sun May 09, 2004 08:43 AM ET BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (Reuters) - Former First Lady Nancy Reagan made an impassioned call for taking controversial stem cell research out of the political arena, saying it could help cure illnesses like Alzheimer's, which so sorely afflicts her husband. With the Bush administration and anti-abortion groups strongly opposing stem cell research, Mrs. Reagan at a celebrity-packed dinner in Beverly on Saturday night lent a powerful conservative Republican voice to the debate. Speaking to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Mrs. Reagan noted that Alzheimer's had taken her husband Ronald Reagan "to a distant place where I can no longer reach him and share our 52 years." She added after accepting the group's "Care Giver's Award," "Science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp. I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this. "We have lost so much time already. I just really can't bear to lose any more." Letters from former presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton supporting Mrs. Reagan's efforts on embryonic stem cell research were read to the dinner by actors Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart. Absent was any comment from the Bush administration which has placed severe restrictions on stem cell research because it can involve using cells from human embryos. Organizers of the event, which also raised money for stem cell research, said it was the first time that Mrs. Reagan had made a public speech on the issue although her views have long been known. Actor Michael J. Fox, a supporter of stem cell research because it could help lead to a cure for Parkinson's disease from which he suffers, told reporters that Mrs. Reagan was taking the issue out of politics. "For someone like Mrs. Reagan to step outside of political or ideological groupings and just speak to what she believes ... can help people is tremendously valuable," he said. http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=50818 75§ion=news ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn