Brooke Ellison - Author and Motivational Speaker

Press Releases

STATEMENT FROM BROOKE ELLISON ON THE HISTORIC PASSAGE OF
STEM CELL RESEARCH FUNDING IN THE NEW YORK STATE BUDGET

April 2nd, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: 631-240-4412

In response to the historic passage of the first state stem cell research funding in New York, Brooke Ellison, internationally known stem cell research advocate, issued the following statement:

"Under the leadership of Governor Eliot Spitzer and Lieutenant Governor David Paterson, New York State has taken a tremendous step forward by passing this broad stem cell research initiative. At a moment when the Bush administration has failed to provide national leadership on such a crucial issue, states must fill the void. I am proud to see my home state of New York join other states in a growing movement to support this critical scientific research."

On April 1st, the New York State Legislature and Governor's office agreed to fund the initiative in the 2007 state budget. The initiative dedicates $600 million in grants over the next 11 years to the most promising research that could eventually cure diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, spinal cord injury, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

"To be sure, the road to the most groundbreaking medical strides is paved with stem cell research," Ellison continued. "New York's initiative is a monumental achievement for not only the future of our state but, more importantly, for the perpetuation of hope in the lives of millions. By funding this life-saving research, Governor Spitzer, Lieutenant Governor Paterson, and the New York Legislature have put New York at the helm of medical advances that will revolutionize treatment for years to come," Ellison said.

Brooke Ellison was hit by a car in 1990, an accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down and dependent on a ventilator to breathe. However, Brooke has never let her physical situation stand in her way. After graduating with honors from Harvard University, Brooke published an autobiography, Miracles Happen, which was made into a movie directed by Christopher Reeve. She has worked for more than a decade has a public speaker, delivering a message of hope. Brooke, now 28, received a Master's degree in public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government in 2004, and in 2006, Brooke was a candidate for New York State Senate. Brooke has continued her work as an advocate, advocating for funding for stem cell research.

For more information about Brooke Ellison, please visit www.brookeellison.com.