Here are just a few of the thousands of voices asking that adult, autologous stem cell therapies be made available to every patient who pain and suffering can be alleviated.

Add your voice to the cause:

Patricia: I'm a retired board-certified pediatrician. Does the FDA consider Red Cross blood for transfusions a drug? Are they under the same requirements as pharmaceutical companies? How about saved umbilical cord blood sites?   Also, are donated organs considered drugs by the FDA?  Seem to me one can consider  each  adult stem cell as a body organ?

Linda: I am in need of stem cell treatment. I am just waiting for it to be less expensive and would rather have it done here in the USA.

Laraine from AL: I have MS and will be travelling to Germany for stem cell treatment. I can't believe the FDA are so damned selfish with lining their own nests when really we thought they were supposed to help people heal.

Kara from MN: As a medical professional (CRNA) and healthcare consumer, I applaud your mission! My father is 61 years old with severe pulmonary HTN.  We are strongly considering adult stem cell therapy as a "last resort" treatment.  We are in the process of arranging this with Dr Geckos in the Dominican Republic.  I fully understand the potential safety issues of non-FDA approved treatments as well as the obvious risks posed by a treatment model lacking regulation. However, the alternative for my father is suffocation.  Do you have any insight or opinion on the efficacy or potential success of this treatment?  I fully understand that your opinion or insight is in no way intended to suffice as medical advice.  I am simply looking for an educated, objective perspective. I would greatly appreciate any information you could share with me. Thank you.

Paula from NY: I support the efforts of the ICMS to establish practice guidelines so my doctor can treat my condition with adult stem cells NOW!

Robbie from IN: I am a stem cell researcher and have spent nine years working in animal models of spinal cord injury. We have seen the robust nature of adult stem cells. I definitely support the use of autologous bone marrow stem cell transplant to treat diseases.  The FDA should take into consideration the successes in other countries and fast-track approval of such therapies.

Susan from TX: My father, who was told he had 6 months to live 14 years ago, has been struggling to survive and the FDA is his biggest enemy in his fight for survival.  My dad's doctors have repeatedly told him that his last and only hope is to receive stem cells for his heart.  Unfortunately, the FDA will not allow him to use his own stem cells to treat his dying heart. The clinical trials have such strict exclusion guidelines that he is disqualified from all of of the studies due to being on dialysis.  It is interesting that our government actively supports blood donations to keep others alive, yet it does not support the use of our own stem cells to keep ourselves alive.  That is irresponsible and inconsiderate.  My dad put his life on the line for our country while he was in the Army, yet the U.S. government will not let him protect himself through the use of his own cells.  This must stop!

Morgan from ID: Our granddaughter, Kelsea is paraplegic since her car accident in August 2008. We feel that the bone marrow procedure could help her walk again.

Fred from FL: My son is hoping to avoid an $80,000.00 surgery through the use of stem cell techniques in development. Besides the pain and loss of work he would have, it will leave him limited in what he can do for the rest of his life. Once the stem cell has been harnessed to grow the support he needs in his spine we are hopeful he will avoid the surgery. We are holding off in hope of this technology and plan a 7 year wait, if stem cell research moves forward. If it is halted, we will not get there, before he needs to have the surgery.

Elsie from CA: I have been living with Parkinson's for over a year.  I am interested in fighting for stem cell research.  What can I do.  What other places can I turn to?

Claude from FL: FDA and invested interests get with allowing thousands of people to have stem cell treatment in the USA and save lives and drop medical costs!!

Thomas from TX: The FDA must allow public comments BEFORE implementing new legislation.

Anna from CA: Let us all move forward for the good of all humanity

Blanche from CO: Thank God for intelligent strong minded people like you all. We can not let the FDA, Drug Companies, and Government regulate how we choose to take care of

Svetlana from TX: I disagree with the FDA position on adult stem cells and support the ability of physicians to use patient's own adult stem cells to treat his/hers medical condition per the ASCTA guidelines. For hundreds of patients this treatment is the only chance to survive and for many families who have children with a fatal condition,like pulmonary hypertension,cardiovascular decease and heart failure this treatment is the only hope to save childrens'  lives.

Bernice from FL: My husband died may 3,2009 from congestive heart failure ,he suffered for 5 year from this adult stem cells could have helped save  his life, don't let anyone else suffer and die needlessly  let us  decided.

Michelle from MD: I am a 39 year old who has been living with MS since I was 24 and Crohn's since I was 26.  While I have worked in clinical research since I graduated from college, I am becoming increasingly disillusioned with our (US)way of conducting business.  I have been proud to have been on study teams where drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat certain conditions, but its time to step up and allow for stem cell treatment in the US.  I am seriously considering a trip to Costa Rica next year and just wish I didn't have to go that route.

Roy from MO: Stem Cells offer hope for many diseases in which hope is lacking from conventional treatment.  As they are a part of a person's OWN BODY in the case of patient derived adult stem cells, the government has NO RIGHT to regulate them as a drug.

Phyllis from ND: We plan to go to Mexico for my husband's lung problems in a week or so. He will have sheep stem cell therapy.

Debbie from MA: I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in 1983 when I was 12 years old. Since then different doctors have given me more diagnoses like: Emphysema, Bronchiolitis Obliterans, Chronic Bronchitis, Pulmonary Hypertension, etc. But none of them have offered a hope for a cure or much relief from my breathing difficulties. My lung saturation is now at about 25%. I have been on and off Prednisone for these past 25 years. I was on oxygen and Prednisone full time until this April. Thanks to the treatment I recieved in El Salvador I'm no longer on Predinsone and usually only have to use oxygen while sleeping or exercising.

I went to El Salvador in April for a Repair Stem Cell Treatment that will hopefully improve my lung function.  So far it remains the same.

This procedure involved taking my own stems cells from my bone marrow and then re-injecting them into my body. Since this is not an FDA approved procedure, I had to leave the country. The cost of this procedure is $17,500.

Anemarie from FL: It is time to keep-up with the rest of the world.We must stop living under a rock,in America,and stop buying in to the fear.

Patricia from TX: How many people can really afford to go out of this country to find doctors who are treating diseases with adult stem cells?  This is a therapy whose time has come and we need access to it here in the United States of America!

Debbie from CO: This is an outrage! People like my husband have been suffering with Lou Gehrig's disease for 150 years. There is no cure and the life expectancy is 2-5 years. What kind of hope is that? I believe that a cure will be found in stem cells from the patient. The drug companies already "own" Americans. These patients with this horrid disease deserve a cure NOW! How dare the FDA play God and decide who is to live and die! I am fighting along side my husband and DETERMINED to do everything that I can to help find a cure. The least the FDA can do is to stop interfering in our lives and give us the support that we need to help rid the world of this "Satan's disease." What happened to the Bill of Rights? Do we not have a right to help our scientists eradicate Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis once and for all. Lou Gehrig and thousands like him would say yes. SHAME ON YOU, FDA, FOR PUTTING GREED AND POWER AHEAD OF A LIFE SAVING TREATMENT!!!!!!!

Julie from FL: I am outraged the FDA would side with the pharmaceuticals in this matter. What have we become!

Trude from OR: Why does the U.S. have to be so far behind so many other countries where treatments are already being done ?

Rosile from OR: I have had COPD for 10 yrs now, i demand that the FDA get off their high horse and realise that they do not own my stem cells, they are mine, and I should have the right to use them to save my life.  I have had stem cells, and they do and will help people if our Gov't. will stop their absurd beliefs.  Too many people will die, because of the FDA and their stupidity.

Cydnee from PA: I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in February of this year. An autologous stem cell transplant has been recomended in the near future. Such an incredibly stupid and financially driven decision will shorten my life and the lives of so many others for the next decade or more. I pray the FDA will listen to the advice of the medical experts.

Patricia from SC: I strongly disagree on FDA position on my stem cells this is my body and is not to be regulated by any government agency however well meaning they are

Elizabeth from CA: My daughter suffers from pulmonary hypertension, and no one seems interested in curing her, only treating her....until the work with stem cells became apparent to me, she faced a lifetime (and a short one at that) of misery where the treatment was often as bad as the disease.  Thank G-d for your work!

Kathleen from FL: Those of us with COPD in the severe advanced stages are desperate for a cure. We need help to BREATHE!!!!! As you discuss our Devine right many of us will die!

Dalila from FL: I've been diagnosed with MS since 2000 and UC since 2001.  I'm convinced stem cell treatments are the only way to treat my ills.  I'd like to be treated in the US rather than risking overseas medical tourism.  I'd like to be able to get my own stem cells before my body stops functioning altogether.  Kudos to ASCTA for advocating safe stem cell guidelines.

Barbara from FL: My cells are not drugs, and I want this safe and effective therapy NOW! It has been allowed for leukemia patients for decades, so why is the FDA so intent on providing a profit market for the drug companies?

R.N. in Distress

Azita from CA: my daughter has MS, why do i have to consider taking her to outside US for stem cell treatment when we have everything here? We spent the most money on medicine and have the worst health care, why is our report card so bad in healthcare? we have to change, this path we're on is obviously not working.

Vicki from Barbados: I am from Barbados in the Caribbean. I would like to join as I have an 11yr old son who was normal to the age of 3 and is now totally disable. I have give him Umbilical Stem cell twice but cannot afford anymore. I so agree that we need Adult stem cells to help our kids and persons that our doctors say" There is nothing more that we can do to help you"

As a parent of a child that I had to watch deteriorate infront of my eyes and I can do nothing to help. Adult Stem cell is the way. I believe....

Paulette from CA: I wanted to post the site NTAF - National Transplant Assistance Fund.  This non-profit helps patients raise money for costs associated with transplants, including stem cells.  We are raising funds right now for our son, who has autism and is going to ICM in Costa Rica for the transplant.  We saved our son's umbilical cord blood but we are unable to use it for his recovery due to the regulation in the US.  Please go to www.samshope.com or www.transplantfund.org and enter Sam Britton for patient to read his information.  Thanks you for posting this!

Barbara from CA: I am a pharmacist & a patient with severe osteoarthritis of the knees who might benefit from adult stem cell therapy.  I think it is ridiculous that the government is pouring money down the embryonic stem cell hole, while not allowing us to use our own cells as therapy.  Adult stem cells are a graft from one part of the body to heal another part.  It should not be considered a drug.

Patricia from WV: With the FDA trying to say our own stem cells are drugs in order to regulate them. To me it is proof positive that the FDA and Big Pharma know that adult stem cells work. It is a shame that a human life is commdemded to death, in favor of Big Pharma.(talk about selling your soul to the devel). I am all for adult stem cell and in dire need of them I am out of traditional methods.So I say to the FDA to take a few steps back, and let the Doctors do what they do best with medicine,(Heal People). medicine is governed by the STATE NOT the FDA. I will be contacting my Governor.

E from OR: My stem cells are not drugs

-I want access to safe stem cell therapy using my own adult stem cells NOW!

-I support the efforts of the ASCTA to establish practice guidelines so my doctor can treat my condition with adult stem cells NOW!

Ricky from CA:” This is just another example of Civil Liberties being threatened by the almighty dollar.  People should be ashamed to look themselves in the mirror if they are involved in blocking vital help to another human being and not even know their name!

Deborah from AL: I am a potential lung transplant recipient.  Should there become a method available to prevent transplant rejection, using stem cells, I want this option available to me without interference by the FDA.  They can't even run a clean ship, now, and I resent their interference in matters pertaining to my health, where they have no authority.  They are blatantly, and obviously unashamedly, biased in favor of drug companies, rather than being the advocate for my health which the FDA was meant to be at its inception.

Judith from TN: I am so confident that stem cells are the answer to my problems with lumbar discs, I am refusing surgery.  Both my neurosurgeon and orthopedic surgeon strongly encourage surgery.  I am holding out for a stem cell transplant. I worked for 7 1/2 years in stemcell resesarch and I totally believe in what stemcell transplants can do!  My stem cells are not a drug any more than a female's eggs are a drug!

Susan from MN: It's more-than-time to get the government out of medicine so drs. can help patients without the many govt. regulations.

Mark from New Zealand: Dx with ALS 2 yrs. Keen to support Stem Cell research and ensure political factions do not inhibit medical research.

John from WV: I am an ALS patient who is tired of the FDA standing between me and a drug (Iplex) that may allow me to manage my condition until a cure (stem cell transplant).  I want the FDA removed from the equation and ALS research put on fast track status fully recognizing the limited time we have before death.

Kathleen from MA: I agree complete with your position that adult stem cells are not drugs.  I was diagnosed with ALS in January of 2005 and want to be able to access my own stem cells for safe stem cell therapy.

James from MI: here is my story of my successful heart treatment

http://repairstemcell.wordpress.com/2009/02/14/class-iii-congestive-heart-failure-patient-40-left-ventricle-deadgoes-for-a-run/

http://www.vescell.com/adult-stem-cells/heart-muscle-health-aspects.php

thanks for your work hope i can help somehow.

Stephen from GA: I received my own stem cell during a clinical trial conducted ar texas heart institute and it has made a tremendous improvement.  I want others to benefit

Laddie from WA: I have diabetes myself and I sick of these guys playing with my health and life.  Lets get off our ass and get this thing going.

I would like to get people informed, maybe you have some handout I can load down on my computer so I can give this out to all I work with and check in for treatment where I work.

Pauline from FL: I am a COPD patient who feels strongly that my cells belong to me and not the FDA.

I may not live to see help in this country, but I can lift my voice in protest.

Irene from NJ: Healing must return to being a sacrad art; thus, removed from profit motives as its primary aim.

Charlie from MD: with congestive heart failure (chf), time is of the essence.  fda inhibits the adult stem cell therapy for patients who need such treatments now.  other countries are way ahead.  i can appreciate the fda caution, but they have had enough clinical studies on the use of the patients own stem cells for chf improvements.  cautiously taking years to conclude the life saving or quality of life benefits doesn't help the chf patients who are in their stages.

Joni from TX: My granddaughter is in China right now getting stem cell treatment. It's sad to be in the greatest country in the world and have to send her across the world for help. Please pass the word around to everyone you know

Brenda from MN: I need help NOW!!!! I have lung disease and do not want to undergo a transplant,especially when I have my own dna and cells  available to use as a healing mechanism

Erin from GA: I am going into law specifically to support the rights of patients and doctors to have access to treatment without FDA, Pharmaceutical or Insurance interference.  Too many lives are lost because one or the other requires patients to jump through flaming hoops to have access to a treatment.

Brandon from KS: Adult stem cells are the property of the person whose body they reside in not the Federal Government. The FDA should not be involved in the regulation of adult stem cells because it would slow down the progress of real cures for terrible conditions that exist today.

Robert from OH: I have COPD, and have read about cases using a persons on stem cells to help repair the lungs.  Currently I would have to go outside the USA to have this done.  I think we need it here in the USA under control.

Veronica from NY: I am writing this letter for my younger brother, age 27, who suffers from severe dilated cardiomyopathy and is currently hospitalized. His EF is about 15% and his kidneys have been having a lot of trouble because of his heart condition. His creatinine levels are very high and his blood pressure is very low. He keeps retaining fluid so the doctors keep messing around with his meds because he doesn't seem to respond to his diuretic type meds (Lasix, Dijoxin, Aldactone, Coreg etc) like he used to. The doctors also say they are afraid those meds are messing with his kidneys.  

My mother also suffers from CHF and I believe that Stem Cell Therapy could save their lives. Please pass along any more information you might have and please reach out if there is anything I can do in the way of advocacy. I am a journaist and am more than willing to help in any way possible.

Joseph from MD: I currently have 12 dose's of stemcells in storage from the birth of my brothers son. Sadly i cannot use them,i can legally store them for a fee but cannot use them. It's all about money!

Phyliss from CO: Diagnosed 1993 with benign MS I am nevertheless handicapped enough to be unable to work; therefore live on taxpayers' money on SSI disability, Medicaid, food stamps, housing, several disabled discounts (phone bill, heating costs...). Would be cheaper in the long run for the government to pay for adult stem cell treatment to cure my MS. I am on several medications, including Avonex which costs almost $3,000!! I pay $3 for 4 syringes (Medicaid!). In the present political environment there is little hope for actual help.

Lori from IA: My 3 year-old son has periventricular leukomalacia.  We took him to Germany in early February to receive a stem cell treatment by using his own bone marrow stem cells.  We have seen some benefits and would like to go again next year.  Wouldn't it be great if we had to travel in the US rather than overseas!?!

Charlotte from NY: Enter comments here!We traveled to Germany to be treated with autologous stem cells at the X-Cell Center in Cologne in July 2008.  Unfortunately, we do not feel there is any significant improvement from this procedure.  Wayne, my husband, had a stroke in October 2005 and he has very little use of his left extremities.  Stem cell transplantation is the only hope available for him and we are extremely hopeful that it will become available in the USA so we do not have to travel to a foreign country again for further stem cell treatment.  After much reading and research, we do believe stem cell transplantation can be beneficial to his gaining use of his left extremities.....why it did not "work" in Germany we do not know but we are not "giving up" on our beliefs in autologous stem cells.

Robert from NY: I have kidney failure and on dialysis for 6 months now. I also have heart failure and learned about adult stem cell therapy down in Naples Florida at a seminar of Dr. Grekos at Regenocyte. Dr. Grekos is doing stem cell treatments but not in this country yet. I do not want to travel out of the country but do feel stem cell can help my condition. I need this treatment now not years from now when it is finally approved by the FDA.

Barbara writes: I have two people with serious possible side effects from these "safe" drugs. The story just broke on their possible dangerous side effects. I know there are thousands of stories out there just like the 2 people I know, but I wanted to share this from Tom. He has end stage COPD and very little money. I have made arrangements for him to get stem cell treatment because I have to. I cannot let people just die when I know stem cells will help them, but I can't save them all and it is a real emotional struggle for me at times.The other lady I know has so much pain that she cannot lift her arms now and she also has swelling. Her doctor can not find out why.  We have to succeed with ASCTA. Stem cells are going to prove far safer than overmedicating us from cradle to grave.

Nancy from AZ: This is a terrific idea. Thank you for getting stem cell treatment underway. I have PAD and I do not want to have bypass surgery because that is the beginning of a dead end solution.

Rita from CA: We need to make this change now.  The need for knee and hip replacements is growing rapidly and this procedure will save billions in health care costs as well as keep people productive and in the jobs in stead of lengthy rehab. Also, consider all the pain and suffering this will prevent.

Sandra from SC: My brother is "Locked-In" after suffering a brain stem stroke in 2007. He is a loving husband and father of two boys ages 3 and 5 who desperately want their Dad to be able to hug them again. Adult Stem cell research could make that a possibility for this much deserving family.

Arthur from NC: AS A STEM CELL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT FROM ICM IN COSTA RICA. I KNOW THE TRUE HEALING POWER OF STEM CELLS. IT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!

James from AR: Thanks for all you're doing. It's a shame we have to fight our own government to save and live our own lives! ("We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.")

Sarah from PA: I have been considering travelling abroad for  adult stem cell therapy.  I believe it is a travesty that other countries offer a proven therapy & that here in the U.S., where we boast some of the best health care in the world, this is not available.  I believe big pharma controls the health care of every individual in the U.S.  I also believe that big pharma does not want to cure diseases.  Their goal is to help us manage our diseases with their drugs.  I have tried some of their drugs and believe me, their cure is much worse that the actual disease.  My stem cells are mine!  What lunacy to say that an individuals stem cells are drugs. I believe we should have a choice in our health care & not be limited to what big pharma has to offere us.  Adult stem cell therapy deserves its' place in modern medicine.  

Russell from NC: http://www.prayforaidan.com

Pamela from Ohio: I really wish they would let patients that have no options for recovery from their disease (MS) or any other to try the stem cells.  I know I would jump at the chance.

Joel from TX: My stem cells are not drugs. I fully support the ASCTA. I am living proof of the efficacy of adult stem cells and the FDA needs to correct their position.

Melissa from TN: My 11 yr old son has type 1 diabetes. Everyday, he faces 4 shots pricking his finger 5 x a day. I realize this disease is manageable, but if there is a cure or remission stage, every family/person should have the right to choose for themselves! Just ike the govt gives a woman a right to choose what to do with her own body, it should apply across all aspects including adult stem cell therapy!

Maloy from KS: After working as a conductor with BNSF Railroad for 31 yrs I was given a total disability by the Railroad Retirement board as a result of developing Pulmonary Hypertension.  This is a progressive, fatal disease for which there has been no cure until recently.  It is believed by many that this disease could be reversed by using ones own adult stem cells for treatment.  This gives real hope to all except the ones of us that already have this disease.  The FDA has seen fit to classify my own adult stem cells as a drug and by the time this treatment is ever approved, most of us that have this disease will have died from it.  The costs of my drugs last year was over $67,0000.00   I am in the "Catostrophic Coverage" phase of my prescription drug policy by February every year.  The drugs that are currently available are horribly expensive and at best, only slow down the progression of this disease.  My physicians should have the ability to use my own adult stem cells to treat my medical condition and the overwhelming evidence is this is as safe as any medication currently approved by the FDA.  My only thought is the FDA is more concerned with calling my stem cells a drug which would most likely allow the drug companies  to market them as a drug and reap huge profits from their sale, than they are in the lives of thousands of us that have this disease.

Please help us !

Bernadine from FL: My best friend is dying from MS.  She has deteriorated to the point where she is so weak that when she fell a few days ago, she could not even turn over from her stomach to her back, let alone get up.  It is probably already too late to save her since the MS has progressed so far, which breaks my heart because the science likely exists that could have saved her if it had been available to her sooner.  Noone should have to suffer as she has when there are treatments that could help.  We must change the way stem cell treatment is regarded.

Joan from Austrailia: I am NOT a US citizen BUT fully support you as this legislation will be picked up by Australia, where I live, and other countries.  Keep fighting for us all.

Sandra from CT: I am living proof that stem cell therapy is a vital and necessary thing here in America.  I had a broken foot that was not healing for over 1 year.  I got stemcells injected into the broken bone.  After about 2 months my bone had healed up 100%.  I can not believe that the fda is trying to control my own stem cells.  Isn't it bad enough that they don't do what they say they're supposed to do (i.e. Vioxx and Baycol)and now they want to effect the way my doctor wants to treat my ailments with my own stem cells.  Another gov't agency gone haywire.  Stop the maddness and empower the medical world.

Marie from CT: I have crohns dease for over40 years .mine meds do not help. Crohns runs in my family.I am so tired of taking med that don,t help.I break out with eyrthema nodosom which are bumps under the skin, In November2008 I broke out with these bumps that ulcerated just as I was suppose to have surery for Chiari malformation I at yale New Haven.

Of course the surgen would not do the surery becuse off the open sores. If I don't get the suery soon I will paralize. That is why I wat my doctors to be able to use my stems to see if if would help or cure my Crohns so i can get on with my life and not parelize thank you for listen to my problems.

Elizebeth from TX: My daughter was diagnosed with Optic  Nerve Hypoplasia. I just read in the newspaper about a young boy that has the same condition as my daughter raising money to get a stem cell treatment in China to improve his vision. It would be great if the U.S. could bring this procedure over here so the cost of going overseas wouldn't be so expensive.

Clayton from CO: I am a 46 yrs old stroke survivor. I have undergone 1 year of traditional stroke rehab. therapy with overall poor results. It would be great if I could receive Stem cell therapy here in the U.S.A., instead of having to travel to Germany or worse Mexico or some other 3rd world country.(using my own stem cells of course).

Patricia from FL: Didn't we already go through this with Roe vs Wade? It IS her body to do as she sees fit, right?

Kathy from NM: The threat of cardiologists losing their high incomes and of pharmaceuticals losing billions has been the guiding hand behind pushing embryonic stem cell hype and suppressing the almost miraculous actions of our own incredibly powerful and benign stem cells.  When I show people articles on adult stem cell treatments, they are at first puzzled and then furious.  The truth is spreading and as it does the FDA and many in the medical fields are looking like money-grubbing carrion crows.  Our government should do what's right sooner rather than later.

Christiaan from NV: Thank you for doing this. It's about time we begin to come together and let these clowns in big pharma know that our bodies belong to us and not them and nothing is going to change that point of fact, no matter how many times they try.

Yvette from NM: I am among the unlucky few whose heart was damaged by the very chemotherapy drug that was administered in order to save my life.  Nothing in my need to live has changed, as I am a single mom without relatives to turn to, and my son needs me.

I am researching 2 delivery methods of autologous stem cell treatments abroad, and clinical trials in my own nation, the U.S.  I have been disappointed in our laws in the past when they have not lead to protection of innocent victims of domestic violence, and the enforcement of court-ordered child support and health insurance for the children, the procedures in court that lead away from the truth and defeat the innocent,  and am finding more frustration in this health matter.  We need our life-extending treatments from our own stem cells now.

Tina from TX: I want the opportunity to have my stem cells repair my lungs then a lung transplant with so many side effects and chances!!

Jesse from CT: I have a spinal cord injury and I'm all for Physicians in control of Adult Stem cell Research.

I'm not FDA property. FDA does not own my stem cells.If Big Pharma has its way not only it will be 5 to 20 yrs down the road but we probably have to take pills for rest of our lives to function.They want pills to do what procedure does.That's there win win solution. Money is the root of the problem as always.

"Adult stem cell treatments are a medical procedure, not a drug. They should be treated like a medical procedure, not like a drug." I second that opinion

Shell from CO: My daughter Macie and I went to China last summer for stem cell injections to treat her optic nerve hypoplasia with umbilical stem cells and had great success.  We are very excited about stem cell usage in the United States.

Burton from FL: I am a strong advocate for the use of autologous stem cells and also induced pluripotent cells. Their use is not anything different than when patients get packed red blood cells or patelet infusions. The focus of research with autologous stem cells and isolating from them progenitor cardiac, neuron, pancreatic, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, pancreatic autologous stem cells could changhe the way many medical conditions are treated.

Patricia from AK: Myself and my son have crohn's disease and are pursuing treatment with adult stem cells in Tel Aviv, Israel.  What an expense which could be avoided if offer in the USA

Deb from FL: Enter comments here!Have had MS for 27 yrs. Have done all the requied drugs aproved by the AMA,FDA Presently on a toxic chemotherapy drug that has no benefit for the ms only severe side effects,also approved by the FDA The time has come to do treatment the natural method via stem cell The lives of those who are infermed are at the mercy of the pharm companies,the AMA, FDA-------ENOUGH

Guida from NM: I suffered a right-brain stem stroke 6 1/2 years ago.  I have left-side paralysis, speech, vision and hearing issues.  Stem cell therapy would be of great value to me.

Sara from OK: I'm not surprised at all about the FDAs position on adult stem cell.  It's all about the money.  One of their biggest suppliers is the drug companies.  They (drug companies) will lose millions of dollars if they can't control stem cells.

Sandy from MT: i was diagnosed with ms in 1984 and have now been living with ms scars for half my life. i was totally paralyzed below the waist and neurologists predicted i would never walk again. with the Lord's help i walk w/o aids but am in need of more healing of the scar remnants.

I have been accepted to icm in costa rica for adult stem cell therapy. i am trying to raise money to be able to go. the only "real" drug i tried for ms was tysabri in 2007-2008. as i figured up the cost of using that drug (which only did what it predicted it would do - diminish the attacks. the amount it cost medicare was approximately $74,000 for the 18mo i was on the rx. for stem cell treatment in costa rica it will cost me $20,000 plus travel/housing and could improve my quality of life - isn't this a no-brainer? unless i get more remyelination of the scars - i will always cost medicare thousands of dollars. i don't have another 7-12yrs to wait until asc becomes available in the us - that would make me almost ready to retire = NOT ACCEPTABLE!!! if i can help in anyway to further this treatment, please let me know....i AM praying for you - Sandi

Lias from WA: I'm so glad to see organizing efforts to bring understanding to the public, and securing the positions of 'we, the people', regarding the present and potential use of our adult stem cells, and system. Why everything becomes such a 'controlled financial entity' is a crying shame.  Thanks, and I'm anxious to see the process continue to unfold...

Kathy from FL: I can't believe that after all of these years those in need of their own stem cells NOW are being denied them.  We need to stop this madness!!!!!

Jane from PA: i had filled this out almost finished and my hand bumped something and either erased it or sent it.  the ms i have can cause many aggrivating things to happen.  not to mention all the other good stuff that comes with it.  let some of the big shots walk in my shoes for a day and they would be running to get the laws changed so they could have the adult stem cell treatment. how cruel. i love america glad to be here but i can't help but wonder what other countries think when they see so many people traveling elsewhere to get help and hope.  thank you so much don margolis for your info. and your determination to get the truth out there.  i feel people that find your site now have at least a good starting point and someone who is trustworthy. i have noone as many others too to guide or help me get to these places. sad thing some of the doctors are the worst  at trying to discouage me. i will try to do my part to get things going.   

Mary from OH: My 10 year old son is living with a rare brain malformation called Schizencephaly. Had I been aware of cord blood banking at the time of his birth, he would be living a different life now. I have contacted President Obama & my local congressman imploring them to make a change on the FDA position on adult stem cell therapy. It saddens me,to recently learn, President Obama has revised the law on the original lifted ban, by allowing adult stem cells to be considered a drug. Any hope I had for my son to receive treatment here is now vanished. Cord blood stem cell treatments have been performed at Duke U on children with Cerebral-Palsy, with their own blood. These children are now cured. With the proper medical handling of donor cord blood, my son could be living a better life through this therapy that could be performed in the U.S.

Joyce from TX: Why does the FDA have to approve my daughter's use of her stem cells to treat her spinal cord injury?

Janice from TX: I second who ever said: "Adult Stem Cells Should Be An Option for Patients With No Options"... other countries are making advances first due to religious & political inertia in the USA.

Joshua from LA: I am living proof that adult, mesenchymal, stem cells are safe and can be used successfully to treat arhritic damaged joints, when done properly, with current safe procedures and guidance

Randy from CA: I have MS and needed to go to Costa Rica for Stem Cell therapy.  This should not be necessary.

Linda from CA: It defies logic to prohibit the use of one's own cells to heal one's own body.  The real problem is having business interests controlling medicine.  Good care is sacrificed for profits.  I want the option to try my own stem cells to stimulate my own healing over potentially dangerous drugs and irreversible interventions.  Thank you for putting patients first.

Sylvia from FL: I hold great Hope that stem cell therapy (adult) will help my 15mo. old granddaughter with CP. China may be an option but I need to know more about the facility and process for a young child...

Wyth from GA: I want to try adult stem cells for my nerve root injury.

Heidi from AZ: I am so hoping that the US will get as advanced in stem cell research as other countries are.  It is a shame that our people have to go as far as China to receive stem cell treatments.

Jane from PA: I am a 75 year old woman that had a large heart attack one year ago.  My heart functions at an ejection fraction of 30.  I am still active but my cardiologist said the only thing that would help my heart is stem cell treatment.  I need this treatment to be made accessable without leaving the country now.

Christina form PA: My sister was able to get her cancer treated right here at home with her own stem cells, but similar treatment for her son's spinal cord injury is being blocked by wrongheadedness and bureaucracy. Why should my nephew spend years in a wheelchair, when he could be in physical therapy right now, regaining his ability to walk?

Adult stem cell treatments are a medical procedure, not a drug. They should be treated like a medical procedure, not like a drug.

Charlotte from CA: I have Alpha-1 and have been waiting for over 20 years while I've been on oxygen for 17 of them and wheelchair bound.

Patricia from OH: I'm glad someone is helping us with the stem cells. Alot of us don't have a whole lot of time left. Waiting for the FDA could take forever.Going out of the country is very hard for alot of us.  Thank You

Richard from NM: Thank you for your work in promoting Adult Stem Cell use by its rightful owners.  The Pharma and Bio Tech companies are trying to control the greatest healing tool within our own bodies, adult stem cells.

Patient rights will be violated if this ruling is allowed. We have rights to our own bodies and no one can take that away.

Michael from PA: help!

Gayla from CA: I want my stem cells.  FDA does not own them.

Dale from MD: I have always been a very active woman but apparently was too active in my younger years. Now that I am 65 there is a whole lot of pain in my life when I try to walk...no cartilage in my ankle or knee.  It seems to be common.  And sad since I could be doing so much for others daily instead of being in pain.  Please look at the results in the UK and Italy and see if we (the patients) can't sign off on being our own test 'rat'/mouse if need be to help others in the future and perhaps make people like me be able to walk or even run again while we have the time.

Jeannine from NH:.  I am 57 years old and suffer from severe COPD.  I would like to receive stem cell treatment but would have to travel to another country to receive treatment.  I am unable to travel due to my illness. Arranging for oxygen 24/7 in other countries is often unreliable and the plane trip is also risky for people with compromised immune systems. The cost of the treatment and travel expenses are too expensive for someone who is on disability at this time.  

Allowing stem cell treatment in the US would enable many people to improve their condition and quality of life.

David from CA: My daughter has cerebral palsy.  She needs safe adult stem cell to treat her cp.  Please help her!

LJ from CA: I have been diagnosed with end stage emphysema  I was eligible for a lung transplant but chose at the time to not do it  I wanted to find a less invasive form of a cure. Stem cells seem to be the best shot of a cure but because of the cost I cannot receive treatment. I have put my family into debt trying to find a cure to avoid the transplant. I am no longer fit for transplant so I wait to die a slow death. I watched my mom die from this disease so I know what to expect. I don't understand how the insurance will pay 500,000 for a transplant that may last 5 years if I am lucky and stem cell treatment with my own cells is 60,000 or less.  Sounds like big pharma has their hands in the pot again. If the government cared about its citizens at all they would push for the treatment I for one don't mind being a test project to help find a cure for lung disease

Beverly writes: I  have been diagnosed with end stage emphysema and use supplemental oxygen 24 hours a day. My FEV1 is .8 at the last PFT. Also at 71 years of age there is little interest on my part or any one else’s to opt for lung transplants. I have bet my lot on getting stem cells to assist me in a regenerative process to reclaim some quality to my life. I have pursued where it was possible to seek and get stem cell therapy.  The costs of the therapy I understand ranges from $12,000  to $50,000 per treatment including a waiver to not hold the "medical"  people responsible for anything that may happen. I think this is disgraceful for our FDA to prohibit the use of autologous  stem cells except in a very narrow concept so that people are forced to seek relief outside the USA. In most instances, the diseases I am referring to are conditions that have no known cure.  I am concerned that the best interest of the patients are not being served in that they must make arrangements for travel, lodging and facility use to get some help. It’s an unusually difficult burden to place on already very sick people when they should be able to get autologous stem cell therapy in their local area.

Carmen writes: I am a 51 year old caucasian woman. I have been suffering with COPD-emphysema for four years now and had no idea I had it until the symptoms were too obvious. I have always led a difficult life and have had to struggle with many things, and have always fought to get what I need in life. I have never relied on anyone for money. After having been maltreated by my family my whole life, I discovered that I had this dreadful disease. It is very hard for me to accept because I was always active and enjoyed going to the gym and swimming and dancing. Now I have a hard time just taking a shower, where I huff and puff all the time. I go to work everyday but I just sit most of the time at my computer. I  have a hard time doing things and mere walks leave me breathless. I cannot wait years and years for the legalization of stem cells. I won’t make it that long.

Robert from AZ : more power to you guys! I have severe c.o.p.d. Please hurry with your research!

Betty from LA: I am so happy to see physicians involved in this cause.  I am a stem cell therapy recipient.  I had to go to China to receive stem cells for my MS.  It changed my life.  Best decision I ever made.  

Thomas from GA: I want stem cell therapy made available in the USA because I cannot travel out of the country or by commercial airlines, with my disease.

David from TX: I have Diabetes and would like to see if these treatments can prevent me from having to inject insulin.

Zoi from Greece: I live in Athens, Greece. Legalizing adult stem cells in the US is an international matter and it is very important to patients all over the world.

Karma from NE: I suffer from severe PAH.  I am scheduled to have Stem Cell Treatment in May.  I will be leaving the country, because the FDA will not allow it in the U.S.  So happy to find out about your new program.  Thank you!

Melissa from IL: I was diagnosed with polymyositis and pulmonary fibrosis in 2001. As a result, I have closely followed stem cell research and therapies for several years. Even if I never see advances that benefit my conditions, advocacy of patient rights in this area is a very important issue. I am grateful to learn of this organization and its mission.

William from TX: I pray for the opportunity to have Stem Cell treatment.Let American's be leaders in this field.

Faye from GA: I have an identical twin sister.  We are 56 years old.  I do not understand why I must watch her suffer trying to find a treatment to help her lung function.  She has been on life support twice, her FEV level has now decreased to 17@, yet she still maintains hope.  She is a patient at UAB and has an over reactive airway disease.  We have read about Dr. Grekos and some of his patients who have received their own adult stem cells.  Any help or hope that you can give patients who are in dire need, who might benefit from stem cells, without the possible of rejection is greatly appreciated. Please help so she might live. Thank you very much.

Kaye from GA: I don't think that patients should have to travel out of the US for treatment.  Stem cells are not drugs.  Physicians are better equipped than the FDA to determine each patient's needs.

Jenifer from IL: I think stem cells would help my son recover.

Tracy from CO: We are encouraged about the potential of stem cells and want the doctors to be able to help the patients as quickly as possible along with any new treatments that could be used via stem cells.  Doctors NOT the FDA!

Cynthia from CO: I am a recipient of adult stem cell therapy and will participate in any program to promote its use.

Aminita from GA: count me in!

Steve from NE: I sincerely hope that many people will join this group, both physicians and non-physicians!  The truth needs to get out that adult stem cell therapy is very viable!

Thomas from AL: HURRY OR I WON'T BE HERE TO HELP.

Lenville from FL: This is long overdue.

Fran from OR: Adult stem cells are to me the most logical stem cells to be researching...no rejection of the cells

Danny from GA: Need this now forget all the drugs its 2009!

Henrey from GA: I have been researching non-hematopoietic adult stem cells for 35+ years - and they repair far better than embryomic stem cells.

Nassin from FL: I am all for it.  FDA allows drugs (nicotine) to be sold OTC and not your own cells?

Jill from AZ: need a cure or at least relief for my copd

Barbara from CO: Thank you all for giving us hope. You are indeed very special doctors.

Barbara writes:

I am Darin's mom and I have a favor to ask of all the members and guests on Arboristsite. I have a terminal lung disease. I am an avid believer in stem cell therapy. I also am the co-founder of www.stemcellpioneers.com which Darin gave to me and the other founder after I had stem cell therapy in 2007. It has grown to be the largest patient moderated forum for stem cell discussion and support for those seeking treatment and those that have already received it. Unfortunately, many of our members are too ill or do not have the money to travel outside the U.S. to get treatment. Why do they need to do this? Because the treatment to save or improve their lives is illegal for most applications here in the U.S. There are some excellent doctors that have started a grassroots effort to get the FDA to legalize adult stem cell treatments here in the U.S. Adult stem cells are cells from our own body. They are very safe. There is no moral or ethical issues. They are safer than taking an aspirin and yet the FDA has classified our own stem cells as drugs. This means that prolonged investigations, including lengthy clinical trials will be required for each and every disease and application that adult stem cells could be used for. This could take years and years. It smells of big pharma to me and to many others. In the meantime, this means a death sentence to many Americans. We have parents of infants and people in their 80's on the Pioneer forum. Disease is not restricted to age, race or nationality. I have had treatment with my own cells as I was able to travel outside the U.S. and to pay for it and I can tell you it has saved my life. The progression of my disease has stopped and I am feeling better and better. I cannot leave others behind in my good fortune, however. This treatment must be legalized quickly. The FDA cannot and should not be allowed to classify our own stem cells as drugs. ASCTA advocates for safe treatment by American doctors. We need to have tens of thousands join this effort in order to make it effective. With 53.2 million hits last month on Arboristsite, I cannot think of a better place to get exposure and help. Please click on the link below and join ASCTA (it's free) and sign the petition too while you're at it. If you can send a message to the FDA all the better. You never know when you or a loved one may need stem cell treatment. I appreciate your effort greatly and I thank Darin for letting me post this.

Barbara Hanson