Title: The Brooke Ellison Project Proudly Presents
1The Brooke Ellison Project Proudly Presents
Hope Deferred
A Documentary by Jimmy Siegel
2Stem Cell Basics
Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability
both to self-renew and to develop into other
types of cells in the body.
3Did you know
- There are currently nearly 500,000 embryos frozen
in in vitro clinics, slated to be destroyed, many
of which could be directed towards research.
4By the Numbers
74 of U.S. adults support public funding for
stem cell research.
5Stem Cell Basics
Stem cells can be derived from various sources,
including bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and
fertilized eggs.
6Stats Lesson
- In the United States
- 4.5 million live with Alzheimers Disease
- 2.5 million people live with multiple sclerosis
- 1 million children live with juvenile diabetes
- 1 million people live with Parkinsons disease
- 450,000 people are paralyzed by spinal cord injury
7By the Numbers
60 of couples who pursue in vitro fertilization
would prefer to donate their spare embryos to
research, but are either not permitted to do so
voluntarily or are not informed of this
possibility.
8Did You Know
Federal funding is only directed toward 21 stem
cell lines, which have been in existence since
2001 and were derived using antiquated techniques.
9Stem Cell Basics
Stem cells can also be created from somatic
cells, through genetic transfer and cellular
reprogramming.
10FYI
- Stem cell research is ABSOLUTELY NOT
- Anything involving the cloning of human beings
- Anything involving abortion
- Illegal
11By the Numbers
80 of the public wants medical researchers to
have a significant influence on stem cell
research decisions.
12Did You Know
Federal restrictions on stem cell research
funding have forced states, such as California,
New York, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Maryland, to
implement their own, state-based stem cell
research funding initiatives.
13American Heritage Dictionary
Hope (n) a wish or desire accompanied by
confident expectation of its fulfillment.
14Whats Going On
Despite the fact that there have been promising
results in numerous fields of stem cell research,
including diabetes research, ALS research, and
spinal cord injury, the United States continues
to lag behind countries like Israel, Britain,
China, India, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Brazil,
Canada, Iran, South Africa, France, and Spain in
supporting stem cell research.