In Memory of Christopher Reeve: Determined Advocate for Stem Cell Research

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) would like to express its condolences to the family of Christopher Reeve, who died Sunday, October 10. ASH worked very closely with the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation as part of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), the Society’s advocacy coalition for stem cell and nuclear transfer research. Included below is a statement from CAMR about Christopher Reeve. If you would like to send a message to the Reeve family, please visit www.crpf.org.

Statement on Death of Stem Cell Advocate Christopher Reeve

From Daniel Perry, CAMR President

“On behalf of the entire family of patients, scientists, and all those committed to life-saving medical research, we express our deepest condolences to the Reeve family. He was a rare person with an unparalleled strength and determination that inspired us all. His death is a very profound loss.”

“Christopher was a champion for medical research. He gave tirelessly of himself to the cause of stem cell research and therapeutic cloning and was an inspiration to every patient everywhere. He faced a terrible tragedy with courage and he gave hope to millions suffering from life-threatening diseases and conditions.”

“Christopher Reeve was a founding father of CAMR, and his passion and zeal energized our common cause. His death is a loss that will be deeply felt by everyone who supports medical research.”

“As the nation debates whether we will continue to restrict stem cell researchers, Christopher’s death recommits us all to defeating efforts to deny patients hope and limit the arsenal of tools researchers need to defeat disease and disability.”

“Christopher Reeve could have just been an advocate for spinal cord injury, but instead, he chose to be an advocate for all people who could be helped through stem cell research and therapeutic cloning.”

“Christopher Reeve was truly a beacon of hope to patients and their families. Patients and scientists alike cheered his efforts to champion stem cell research and became advocates for the research because of him.”

“Christopher had great respect from both Republicans and Democrats alike, his influence in the halls of Congress was profound and helped generate much needed support for stem cell research.”

The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR), a non-partisan non-profit, is comprised of nationally-recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening illnesses and disorders, advocating for the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine – including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer – in order to cure disease and alleviate suffering. For more information on CAMR, visit their Web site: www.camradvocacy.org.