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June 20, 2007 Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Statement in Response to the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act Veto The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is disappointed by today’s veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Leading scientists have identified cell replacement therapy as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s, capable of halting disease progression and even restoring lost function, thus making it superior to existing therapies. Embryonic stem cells demonstrate qualities that make them the most compelling candidates for cell replacement therapies. The Foundation therefore stands with the two-thirds of Americans who support expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, The Michael J. Fox Foundation may allocate only a small percentage of its resources to non-candidate-specific political issues, and is prohibited from dedicating any resources whatsoever toward candidate-specific political campaign activities. Today our founder, Michael J. Fox, announced his intent to establish a separate organization, Cures and Hope USA, dedicated to educating the electorate on a pro-science agenda and helping voters make informed decisions in 2008. Cures and Hope USA, a designated 501(c)4 organization, will work entirely independently of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, sharing a founder and nothing more. Mr. Fox remains actively involved with the urgent work of The Michael J. Fox Foundation toward its mission of aggressively pursuing all promising research avenues toward improved treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Read The Michael J. Fox Foundation's Viewpoint on Cell Replacement Therapy http://www.michaeljfox.org/newsEvents_mjffInTheNews_article.cfm?ID=1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn 99