2008-07-01
On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, Representative Michael N. Castle
(R-DE) congratulated ASH on its 50th anniversary during a speech on the
floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Representative Castle
recognized the many accomplishments of hematologists in the area of
stem cell research, an area in which he has led efforts to expand
federal funding through his sponsorship of the Stem Cell Research
Enhancement Act (H.R. 3). Below is the text of his speech as published
in the Congressional Record.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the
American Society of Hematology (ASH) on its 50th anniversary and to
recognize some of the many contributions made by hematology
researchers.
I have had the opportunity to work closely with ASH researchers over
the past several years while seeking to expand federally funded stem
cell research. Highlighting the significance of embryonic stem cell
research will remain one of my top issues as millions of Americans
continue to suffer from debilitating diseases that could potentially be
helped through this life-saving research.
Hematologists have pioneered the field of stem cell research for
over 40 years with innovative discoveries about adult bone marrow stem
cells and how they could be used to cure human diseases. Today,
hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an important approach
for treating blood and bone marrow disorders as well as certain types
of cancer. The earliest work with HSCT began in the 1950s. By the
1960s, this treatment was successfully used in patients with end-stage
leukemia. Subsequent research in this area has led to improved
transplantation techniques and improved survival rates for a number of
diseases.
ASH was one of the first professional medical or scientific
organizations to issue a statement in support of all avenues of stem
cell research. Today, ASH members are poised to contribute to research
on embryonic stem cells that has the potential to lead to the next
generation of important therapies for a broad range of diseases.
I look forward to continuing to work with ASH and its members in the
future and congratulate the Society again on its 50 years of research
contributions.
back to top
