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New stem-cell fund bridges Technion
research and B'nai Brith fundraising.
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Show Date: November 10 - 21. 2006
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November 9 • 2006
S
family-friendly events.
The foundation infrastructure
allows for expansion through ATS and
B'nai Brith to go national and interna-
tional with the idea, Bittker says. At the
October meeting, representatives of
both organizations signed a partnership
agreement.
tem cells not only hold prom-
ise for medical breakthroughs,
but they've become a unit-
ing factor for the American Technion
Society and B'nai Brith International.
Together, the local chapters of these
two organizations created the Stem Cell
Stem Cell Promise
Foundation International, a unique
Dr. Dror Seliktar of Technion's faculty of
hybrid with the goal of fundraising
biomedical engineering traveled from
specifically for stem-cell
Israel to speak to the group.
research at the Technion-
He gave a detailed history of
Israel Institute of Technology
Technion's medical achieve-
in Haifa.
ments and then focused on
The original idea came
work being done in Haifa to
from Arline Bittker of
advance stem-cell research,
Orchard Lake, who lost her
particularly with embryonic
husband, David, to cancer in
stem cells. Many countries,
February 2005.
including the United States,
"No one should have to
Dr. Dror Seliktar
have put various impedi-
suffer like my husband did','
ments on this research;
she said. "After David died,
Israel has not.
I felt now was a good time
Stem cells give hope for
to get very involved. Stem
rejuvenating specialized
cells are important because
cells in the body that have
it's possible. My children
died because of illness and
thought it was a great idea, so
injury. They can become
I asked my son Alan to chair
every cell type, with embry-
a committee. We need young
onic cells being the most
people; people my age are
adaptable.
very tired."
Alan Bitt ker
Seliktar outlined how
The Bittker family has
Technion has been on the
been involved with B'nai Brith for many cutting edge of stem-cell research since
years, so that was a natural starting
the first scientific paper was issued in
place. Then Alan Bittker got the ball
1998. Technion researchers also were
rolling.
the first to grow cardiac and insulin-
"When my father was ill, I felt help-
producing.cells from embryonic stem
less," he told a group of about 45 friends cells.
and supporters at an inaugural meeting
"Stem cells give immense help to a
of the foundation at his Franklin home
field with no alternative,' Seliktar said.
on Oct. 24. "Then nine months ago, I
"The foundation is an incredible idea,
heard a stem-cell research presentation
and I feel your efforts will make a dif-
that stopped me in my tracks. I honestly ference.
believe there's a chance to really make a
"The advantage to doing research in
difference."
Israel is that you will get more for your
. He formed a steering committee that
$1 million, which may not seem like a
came up with the foundation concept,
lot in this field, but it's a lot in Israel."
the partnership with the American
Technion Society (ATS) and the goal
For more about Stem Cell
— to raise $1 million in 2007 to fund
Foundation International, con-
research at the Technion. None would go
tact Jo Rosen at ATS, (248)
to advocacy, which other groups already
737-1990, or Fran White at B'nai
are addressing.
Brith, (248) 646-3100.
They expect to raise money at fun,