Peter Morton Embryonic Stem Cell Research Testimonial
PETER MORTON EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH TESTIMONIAL -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 08, 2006)
* Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I recently attended an event on stem cell research in Minnesota and had the opportunity to hear patient advocate, Peter Morton, speak. Mr. Morton shared his moving story which highlights the importance of expanding embryonic stem cell research. Stem cell research provides millions of Americans and their families with hope for a life without the pain and suffering that accompanies currently incurable diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries.
* Expanding this vital research must be a priority for Congress. I submit an edited version of Peter Morton's statement to the RECORD today as a valuable and powerful testimony to the need for this critical research.
EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH TESTIMONIAL 10/17/06
Like more than 250,000 Americans, I am paralyzed from a spinal cord injury.
I've been paralyzed from the neck down and ventilator dependent since a bike riding accident in 1995. I wasn't going fast and the trail wasn't difficult. Likely due to some mud on the trail, my front tire slipped, and in an instant I was on the ground with a broken neck, paralyzed and unable to breathe. If not for quick action by my brother, I would not have survived. That day, I lost the lottery. Tomorrow, it could just as easily be you.
When I awoke the next day in the hospital, I couldn't move, I couldn't feel, my head was in traction, and I had tubes in my nose and mouth. All I could do was blink. In an instant I had lost all my cherished independence, having to rely on others for everything from simply a drink of water to all the indignities of one's morning routine.
Most people understand that paralysis means you can't move. What they don't realize is that it also means you can't feel. Further, all the body's systems are affected, causing temperature and blood pressure instability as well as sexual, bowel, and bladder dysfunction. In spite of all this, do you know what the toughest part for me is now? . . . not being able to touch my kids.
Now, more that any other time in history, there is hope. Embryonic stem cells hold the possibility of replacing the cells killed by the injury. Very promising studies are being performed around the world that demonstrate the potential of embryonic stem cells to solve paralysis and many other devastating illnesses. For humanitarian reasons, we simply must pursue this potential.
There is one other point that must be made. I cut my teeth in the business world. When I was injured, I was the CFO of a major brokerage operations company. In addition to their humanitarian benefit, stem cells have the potential to be the next medical industrial revolution. America has always been the leader in medical technology. Minnesota in particular has been called Medical Alley. America and Minnesota need to be leading the way in stem cell research, not sitting on the sidelines, watching the rest of the world pass us by.
In closing, let me offer this: A generation ago, pioneers in medical research developed in vitro fertilization, a technique that has now enabled my wife and me to have two beautiful children. My kids are living examples of the power of medical research.
I do not support slowing down the discoveries this research offers to millions, and allowing other countries to surpass America's leadership in medical technology.
That's why I am speaking out now, for the next generation. I don't want my children or anybody else's children to be told one day, ``You are paralyzed, and will never move again.''
I support those who champion this important research and thank them for helping change the future.
http://thomas.loc.gov/