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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For information, contact: President, Stand Among Friends (561) 297-4400 FLORIDA CURES NAMES SHAWN FRIEDKIN CHAIR OF STATEWIDE STEM CELL CAMPAIGN BOCA RATON, FL – July 18, 2007 – Shawn Friedkin, who has devoted the past 15 years to advocating for people with neurological disabilities, has been named chairman of Floridians for Stem Cell Research & Cures (Florida Cures). As such, Friedkin will take a leading role in the proposed referendum next year to require state spending for embryonic stem cell research, which could lead to cures for many diseases and spinal cord injuries. Paralyzed from the chest down in 1992, Friedkin is president and founder of the nonprofit organization Stand Among Friends, which helps people with disabilities to live with independence and success. “This campaign boils down to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities,” said Friedkin. “This is a campaign of hope for war veterans and accident victims with spinal cord injuries, and it’s a campaign of hope for victims of Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes and many more disorders that could be cured or eased through embryonic stem cell research. “One in every five Americans has a disability. The health of approximately 3 million Floridians is at stake,” Friedkin said. Florida Cures is a political action committee formed in 2005 by Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson with the help of a range of Florida leaders and concerned citizens. Although recently stepping down as Chairman to focus on his County Commission re-election campaign, Aaronson is firmly maintaining his commitment to embryonic stem cell research and passage of the amendment. The Florida Cures Board of directors unanimously selected Friedkin, 43, of Boca Raton to succeed Aaronson. “This is a people and health issue,” Aaronson said. “I am dedicated to making life better, longer and fuller for our disabled and suffering citizens, and I will continue to fight for state and federal funding that will enable embryonic stem cell research to move forward. With Shawn Friedkin as the new chairman, Florida Cures has a passionate advocate – as do all Florida citizens with disabilities.” The proposed constitutional amendment would require the Florida Legislature to appropriate $20 million a year for 10 years on grants for embryonic stem cell research. Using embryos for reproductive cloning would be prohibited, among other restrictions. Before being placed on the November 2008 ballot, supporters must collect approximately 610,000 signatures of registered Florida voters on or before Feb. 1, 2008. So far, approximately 71,000 signatures have been gathered. Florida is not alone in considering state funding for embryonic stem cell research. According to the International Society for Stem Cell Research, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey have recently enacted laws to permit and/or fund embryonic stem cell research. Action is pending in other states. The embryonic stem cells come from fertility clinics. Infertile couples seeking to have a child through in vitro fertilization often have multiple embryos frozen and stored at fertility clinics. When the extra embryos are no longer needed, they are usually thrown away. As an alternative to having them discarded, couples can donate them for research, Friedkin explained. “Instead of just throwing out unwanted embryos, let them be used to save lives and restore health. We’re in favor of supporting life,” said Friedkin, who is chairing Florida Cures on a volunteer basis. “In 1992, the emergency doctor told me that I would never walk again due to paralysis from an auto accident,” Friedkin said. “My compensation will come on the day when doctors never have to say to another patient, you will never walk again.” In April 2007, the Boca Raton City Council unanimously appointed Friedkin to the Boca Raton Advisory Board for People with Disabilities, a board that he currently chairs. He often travels the country to promote legislation, programs and policies that benefit people with disabilities. Friedkin’s tireless efforts arose from his search for answers and information in the wake of his spinal cord injury. Frustrated with the lack of educational resources and practical, easily accessible help, he established Stand Among Friends in 1997 as a resource and guidance center for all people in similar situations. Stand Among Friends is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that promotes opportunities for people with neurological disabilities to live a life without limits and experience the highest degree of independence and success in their communities. Stand Among Friends provides service and support through its comprehensive Web site, television programming, video resources and the development of models and research projects designed to improve the quality of daily life. Through fund-raising and Friedkin’s vision, Stand Among Friends was responsible for creating the Center for the Study of Neurological Disabilities, which opened in 2006 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The center coordinates practical research efforts to develop new products and services for people with neurological disabilities so that they may lead stronger and more productive lives. Related websites: www.floridacures.com and www.standamongfriends.org # # # |