AlzHub

Stem Cell Lines Created Without Embryos - Airtalk on KPCC

On October 17, 2005, Larry Mantle talked to Dr. Michael Friedman, President and CEO of City of Hope Cancer Center, and a member of Prop 71’s Stem Cell Oversight Committee about new methods of producing stem cell lines without destroying the embryo.

Destroying the embryo has been the major ethical concern preventing federal funding of stem cell research.

Click to listen:

Stem Cell Lines Created Without Embryos

or visit the KPCC / Airtalk website directly.

Memory Tree

In times of loss, good friends can make all the difference.  Just knowing that they are there with support and that they care about the things that matter to me.

Some friends surprised me recently with an offer to plant a memorial tree in moms honor in a local park.  What a great idea.  A living tribute in the town we called home for so many years.  A way for me to visit with her since she's buried out of state with her husband of 51 years.  A tree that will grow big, provide shade and beauty for many people and be there long after we are all gone.

The tree was planted last Thursday:

I can see mom's smile now.  I know she would have loved it.

Alzheimers Association 2005 Memory Walk Donations

The Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk for 2005 here in Los Angeles is being held on October 22 at Hollywood Park.

If you have the time and want to help raise money for a good cause, I encourage you to sign up for a Memory Walk in your area.  If you can't make it to a walk, at least consider making a donation for the cause. 

You can make a donation directly on the Alzheimer's Association web site or if you know any individuals (like my site here at "AlzHub"), groups or teams participating in a walk this year, you can show your support for them through a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll be able to walk this year since I just started a new job.  They've been very generous with bereavement time recently and I don't think I should push my luck by asking for even more time off.

That doesn't mean I can't help with some fundraising (and donate some myself) for this years Memory Walk in Los Angeles.  I've set up a direct link in the upper right hand corner of this site to a Memory Walk donation page in memory of my mother.  Check it out.  The Donation page is through, and all money goes directly to, the Alzheimer's Association.

Help fight the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Links:

Alzheimer's Association.

My Memory Walk 2005 donation page.

Memory Walk 2005 home page.

Mom

This is the post I didn't want to write.

My mother passed away suddenly this past August.  I had prepared myself for The Long Goodbye so this was unexpected.  Luckily we were able to be there with her at the end.  My sister stood at one side of the bed holding her left hand, I stood on the other holding her right.

My mother set an example that will be difficult to follow.  The way she lived her life, the way she faced adversity and the way she treated others.  She made an impression on people that led to many long term friendships. 

The Alzheimer's slowed her down, but it couldn't touch the core of who she was.  The more it peeled away at her memories, the more her positive attitude, appreciation of the simplest of things and concern for others over herself shone through.

I got to spend a lot of time with her these last three years.  Visiting her, helping her, taking her on outings.  I also became responsible for her.  Looking out for her and taking care of all the things she was no longer able to do herself.  I hated the disease and loved her.  At times it was difficult, but I'd do it all again in a heartbeat if she needed me.

The way she lived her life will always be a guide for how I live the rest of mine.

This is why there haven't been any updates here for awhile.  I took some time to grieve, took a step back, handled the details that needed to be handled in a time like this.  I took some time to breathe. 

I'm ready to get back to research and providing information.  Mom's fight against Alzheimer's is over, but mine isn't.