Friday, November 30, 2007

i THOUGHT WOULD SHARE THIS

BORIS EMAILED ME YESTERDAY. IT WAS GREAT TO HEAR FROM HIM. HERE IS HIS EMAIL-SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT HIM-HOPE YOU DON'T MIND, BORIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greetings Drew. I remember and pray for you. I am glad that you are all right. Has read through yours blog. You the good fellow, are pleasant to me your optimism. Tell me do you have any progress?. If you can, help me to contact this clinic,please. What price of treatment is it? At me my illness progresses. Greetings Andra. I still shall write and I shall send photos. Keep in touch also, we shall survive.

that last sentence brought a heavy flow of tears for me

My Daily wisdom from my friend, K and articles of HOPE

This handout picture, released from Kyoto University professor Shinya Yamanaka in Tokyo, 27 November shows IPS cells which can develop into cells of various body parts. Yamanaka, who helped produce stem cells from skin, says controversial research on human embryos must continue for now, as it will take time to put the new breakthrough into practical use.(AFP/Kyoto Univ-HO/Shinya Yamanaka)
DAILY WISDOM:
I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -- myth is more potent than history -- dreams are more powerful than facts -- hope always triumphs over experience -- laughter is the cure for grief -- love is stronger than death. Robert Flughum



STEM CELLS TAKING ON DISEASE:

Girls Show Progress Months After Chinese Stem Cell TreatmentBrook Barels and Rachael Schindler have shown progress since their visit to China for a stem cell treatment that's not allowed in the US .WISN.com - Health - http://www.wisn. com/health/ index.html? rss=mil&psp=health



THIS IS GOOD:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071127/sc_afp/japanushealthsciencestemcellsethics;_ylt=AofIzvFMv52LcLDIMVgnosGJhMgF

Stem cell pioneer says embryonic research still needed
by Kyoko Hasegawa Tue Nov 27, 1:09 PM ET
TOKYO (AFP) - A Japanese scientist who helped produce stem cells from skin says controversial research on human embryos must continue for now, as it will take time to put the new breakthrough into practical use.
The announcement last week of the groundbreaking discovery by US and Japanese scientists won praise from leading critics of embryonic stem cell research, including US President George W. Bush and the Roman Catholic Church.


"It was a breakthrough. It allowed us to see a goal. But the goal is far off in the distance," Shinya Yamanaka, the leader of the Kyoto University research team, told AFP in an interview.
His team and US researchers led by James Thomson of the University of Wisconsin at Madison said they generated stem cells from human skin.


The development would eventually allow doctors to create stem cells using a patient's genetic code, eliminating the risk that the body would reject transplanted tissues or organs.
But Yamanaka cautioned it would still take a long time before researchers could treat stem cells from skin like those from embryos.
"Scientists have to continue embryonic stem cell research as it would take some time for us -- at least a year, I would say -- to prove its safety in research on monkey cells," followed by tests on human cells, he said.




Research involving embryonic stem cells -- which can develop into various organs or nerves -- is seen as having the potential to save lives by helping find cures for diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
But the studies have provoked a furore among religious conservatives, who argue that such research destroys a human life, albeit one at its earliest stage of development.
Bush has banned all federal funding for research on new human stem cells, battling with Congress, although money is still available for research on embryos gathered before the ban.
Japan, the largest spender on scientific research after the United States, has fewer taboos about embryonic research.
However, all projects in Japan need approval from a government panel on bioethics, which has restrictions including a prohibition on attempts at human cloning. Many women are also hesitant to donate eggs.
"Before our success in the human skin research, we had to do research on animals because it is extremely hard to obtain human embryonic stem cells for research purposes," Yamanaka said.
Yamanaka's team generated versatile iPS (induced Pluripotent Stem) cells, which, like embryonic stem cells, can develop into various organs and tissues.
The researchers last year generated the world's first iPS cell by introducing four genes into mice skin.
In the breakthrough project, they succeeded in generating the human iPS cells by putting the same four genes into human skin cells.
This alternative way of developing stem cells, however, holds the risk of causing cancer because it uses a retrovirus -- seen as having a carcinogenic quality -- to make the skin cell function as a stem cell.
In addition, one of the four genes is a cancer gene.
"We have to test the safety of the alternative stem cells first, including the risk of cancer," said Yamanaka.


But honestly, I can't predict at all how long it may take for us to solve the challenges," he said.
"We were able to adapt our mice experiment to human skin a year later, but it could have taken years. The same can be said for our future research," he said.
Other challenges include trying to verify that the iPS cells function in exactly the same way as embryonic stem cells using human eggs, he said.




Theoretically, iPS cells could also develop into human eggs and sperm. "Further research must be done in order to avoid the misuse of reproductive cells," Yamanaka said.
In a bid to skirt the ethical debate, another set of Japanese researchers in March said they had succeeded in cloning mouse embryos from unfertilised eggs, believing it was less controversial than using fertilised eggs.


HOPE THIS INTERESTS YOU.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY FROM A FRIEND

THIS IS SO APPLICABLE ON ALL LEVELS AND TO ALL PERSONS

Be aware of yourself and validate your experience. Pay attention to your world, to what's happening, and why. . . . Feel your strength. Value it, and use it.--Alexandra G. KaplanTo truly


To truly exist in the here and now, we need to feel ourselves in the present. We need to enter each moment without the excess baggage of the past, nor the anticipation of the future.

How do we think or feel in the present? Take away thoughts of other times and we may feel lost and confused. It takes time to learn to live in the present and to trust it. We need to learn that, for as long as we're in the present, we exist. We are.

Imagine the moment as a brand new car. All we need to do is open the door, hop in, and drive away. For that moment, our thoughts will not be focused on cars we used to own or on those we're going to buy in the future. Instead, for that moment, we are in the here and now. That's how each of our moments can be: fresh and clean and exciting.

I can sit in the driver's seat and experience each moment as it occurs. Therein lies my strength

RANDOM PICS OF SHENYANG

TAKE FROM A CAB-THAT'S A LINE FOR FOOD


INSIDE A CAB





HAVE TO TO RECEIVE STEM CELLS NOW.
BYE FOR NOW,
Drew

P.S. GOOD LUCK KMR



Pics

TIM-PT HOUR
THEY ARE SERIOUS ABOUT ME LEARNIING THE CHINESE TWO-STEP
VEERING LEFT

MOM IN THE SHOPPING SQUARE

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

HAPPY TO MAKE YOU SMILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures for Mike & Shelagh from Aussie land






Hope all is well guys

Daily doing's

NOVEMBER 27TH 2007

It’s 8am and I’m wide awake. I couldn’t sleep last night so I watched Sienfeld. I love that show. It’s about nothing and everything at the same time.
The internet is down once again and I’m writing so I won’t forget.

I have received some very kind words from north of the border (Canada). Mike, Donna and Ryan’s family and friends are some great people. Eh!!
We have both extended our stays for more stem cell treatments-hey when in Rome!!
Andra and I went to the new market, which is an 8 story mall. It’s so crowded. Wall to wall people and clothes.

4:25 pm Same day

We just got back from the Carrefore market and let me tell you!! It’s like they’ve never seen a guy in shorts before. Mind you, it’s 25f degrees but still! They were literally laughing and pointing. I just chalked it up to my good looks!! Ha-ha. Boy, was I a fool. Carrefore was supposed to be an “upscale wal-mart”. I’d take wal-mart any day. It was like the running of the bulls in Pamplona. And I’m not as nimble as once was so I was holding on for dear life! And then I braved it and went to the meat section-feet, necks and hearts had me moving at the speed of light to get away from the smell. And the eggs-they have every color-white, black, blue, gray and brown. Let’s just say, I’ve had my fair share of subway, McDonalds, KFC and pasta-they have barilla pasta and sauce-a godsend. The vegetables are incredible. The string beans-I eat raw.
I have lost 7 pounds which is good.
good night
drew

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

November 26 2007

November 26 2007

Not a chill to the winter but a nip to the air-- is the weather here in Shenyang!!

Well I had my 5th injection last night. It went well. No drugs no pain. But the thing I hate is the lying down after. I stared for 4 hours at the drip from my I.V.

Everyone here is so positive. Mike-from Toronto-his son Ryan came on Sunday and you can see the physical difference by just looking at him. Mike and I are facing what no else is facing here-the path of time and time waits for no one. So we have a sort of bond, and unspoken bond. Not to take anything away from the other people here w/ us. But they are almost assured of living well into their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s and beyond. We don’t have that luxury. I’m not angry about the fact that they are trying to better there lives and we are trying to save our’s. Like I’ve always stated, that’s wasted energy. It’s just a different journey that we are on. I would not change my situation because I’m the in the best state of mind I’ve ever been in.

Through this challenge I’ve become a much better person. I’m seeing many things that amaze me: people, love, strangers and rekindling old friendships. Having someone I love and hold dear to my heart, forgive me. That forgiveness was a direct result of me peeling the layers off and getting back to the Drew she always knew was underneath all those layers. For that I'm grateful for my situation. I listen and love on a much deeper level. I’ve slowed down to smell the roses-so to speak.

I wrote this in 2 different sittings. I don’t know why I wrote this but hey, it’s a blog and sometimes I write what I’m feeling at that moment. It’s 11:48pm and I’m signing off.

“He runs wishing he could fly only to trip at the sound of goodbye”

A Great Article sent by my cousin Cheryl


By ANDREW POLLACK
Published: November 27, 2007

If stem cell researchers were oil prospectors, it could be said that they struck a gusher last week. But to realize the potential boundless riches they now must figure out how to build refineries, pipelines and gas stations.

Biologists were electrified on Tuesday, when scientists in Japan and Wisconsin reported that they could turn human skin cells into cells that behave like embryonic stem cells, able to grow indefinitely and to potentially turn into any type of tissue in the body.

The discovery, if it holds up, would decisively solve the raw material problem. It should provide an unlimited supply of stem cells without the ethically controversial embryo destruction and the restrictions on federal financing that have impeded work on human embryonic cells.
But scientists still face the challenge of taking that abundant raw material and turning it into useful medical treatments, like replacement tissue for damaged hearts and brains. And that challenge will be roughly as daunting for the new cells as it has been for the embryonic stem
cells.

Despite all the remaining challenges, scientists say there is no denying the magnitude of the advance made last week. “It’s exciting, it’s seminal, it’s major — quite frankly I think it’s potentially Nobel-level,” said Dr. Kenneth R. Chien, director of the cardiovascular disease program at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute. “But there’s still a lot more work to do.”

for the rest of it click here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/27/science/27stem.html?ex=1196830800&en=f109487cf8510742&ei=5070&emc=eta1

Pics

Suneal putting his funk on
interesting! HOPE click on to make it bigger
Brian and Thomas-brothers from Ireland
Mike getting his funk on

Mike and Donna's son Ryan
Mike and Donna

Lobby
this is a gingerbread city modeled after Shenyang


Tim and Terry from Florida



you know who they are

Monday, November 26, 2007

pics

Barbara and Phil-prince edward is.-canada
at the sheraton last night
Diana and her MOM

I'm in post dinner coma



Sunday, November 25, 2007

PICS FROM LAST NIGHT'S DINNER


LIFE IS NOT MEASURED BY HOW MANY BREATHS YOU TAKE BUT BY THE MOMENTS THAT TAKE YOUR BREATHE AWAY!!!!!!!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

ARTICLE

Germany to double funding for stem cell research: minister says
Sat Nov 24, 4:36 PM ET
The German government will double its funding for stem cell research, the research minister announced Saturday.
Berlin is to increase the current allocation of five million euros (7.4 million dollars) to just under 10 million euros, Annette Schavan told the weekly Focus magazine in an interview to be published Monday.
"From now on we are going to double the annual funding total for adult cell recoding techniques, in order to push forward advances in this area," she said.
"Over the next few years Germany must be a motor in adult stem cell research so that we can expand on the results already obtained," she added.
The German announcement came after scientists in Japan and the United States said earlier this week they had generated stem cells from human skin. The breakthrough could help in the fight against major diseases and sidestep the battle over using embryonic cells.
Schavan said the success would not have been possible without "the knowledge gained from research on embryonic stem cells."

An article about stem cells

My cousin Sally sent this to me-VERY INTERESTING! BUT A LONG WAY OFF!

Fri Nov 23, 3:00 AM ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20071123/ts_csm/astemcell
Colonies of tiny cells flourishing in petri dishes in the US and Japan are reshaping the political and ethical landscape surrounding human stem-cell research.

In the process, these diminutive colonies also may level the playing field in stem-cell research – internationally and domestically.
These are some of the effects analysts say they see coming out of this week's announcements that two teams have genetically reprogrammed skin cells so that they take on the traits of embryonic stem cells.
Embryonic stem cells are the subject of intense medical interest because of their ability to develop into any of the major cell types in the human body. Over the long term, these stem cells could become the foundation for therapies for a range of diseases, scientists say. This week's announcement suggests it will be possible for scientists to study these cells without the ethical and political difficulties of harvesting them from unused human embryos.
For the emerging field of stem-cell research, "this is enormous," says Jesse Reynolds, a policy analyst at the liberal Center for Genetics and Society, based in Oakland, Calif. "I can't think of another development "that has been this big,"
"This is a paradigm shift," agrees Rev. Tad Pacholczyk, director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. "This will have a huge impact on the ethical debate."
That debate has centered on the sources for human embryonic stem cells – especially those that have the potential to be patient-specific. For research purposes, scientists have turned to fertility clinics where patients either have donated their nascent embryos to research or no longer need them to start a family. But the process of extracting the stem cells destroys these soon-to-be embryos, technically called blastocysts. The destruction is abhorrent to those who hold that human life begins at conception.
The ethical debate grows more heated when cloning – the most controversial idea for generating patient-specific stem cells – enters the picture. In 1997, a team in Scotland led by Ian Wilmut cloned Dolly the sheep from adult tissue by extracting the DNA from nucleus of adult cells and injecting it into the emptied nuclei of unfertilized sheep eggs. The eggs were fertilized, then implanted into ewes.

The approach is banned in humans. Last week, however, scientists from the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Beaverton, reported for the first time that they had used the technique to generate embryonic stem cells cloned from an adult primate – a macaque monkey. This strongly hinted that eventually the approach could work with humans.
But the technique, which in principle could draw on patient's a own cells to generate new tissue for treatments, is highly inefficient – requiring many eggs to yield one successful clone from which stem cells can be drawn and nurtured. It implies generating nascent embryos exclusively as stem-cell factories. And it raises the concern among many people that the approach will lead eventually to cloning humans as a means of reproduction.

By contrast, the US and Japanese teams discovered genetic triggers that could in effect turn back the clock on already-developed cells. Working independently, each team found four genes that, when introduced into the nucleus of skin cells, yielded cells indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells. The Japanese team, led by Kazutoshi Takahashi at the University of Kyoto, used the approach on mice last year. His lab, and one led by the University of Wisconsin's James Thompson, essentially tied for the race to test the approach using human cells.
For now, the two groups' work "changes everything and changes nothing; and caution is warranted," says Dr. Thompson. "This changes everything because these are not from embryos." But, he adds, it changes nothing because scientists still don't know how embryonic stem cells morph into the wide variety of cell types in the body. The caution comes because without that information, it's unclear if the new cells can live up to their promise. Thus, research on human embryonic stem cells is still vital, he emphasizes.
Still, some labs appear to be doing that. In Scotland, Dr. Wilmut announced earlier in the week that his lab is dropping the cloning approach and focusing on the genetic reprogramming approach as well.

If this is any indication, a shift in stem-cell research could follow. The new technique's relative ease, lower cost, higher output, and scrubbed-up ethics are likely to draw more labs into the field, Thompson suggests.
Moreover, such an expansion might further invigorate US research in the face of aggressive competition from countries like Britain and Japan.
The advance could trigger some interesting political shifts, some analysts suggest. For example, US restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research could become harder to change in light of these discoveries, according to Alta Charro, a University of Wisconsin law professor.
Already, the issue appears to be losing traction, Mr. Reynolds adds. Earlier this month, for instance, New Jersey voters rejected a plan to borrow $450 million for the state's stem-cell research program
.
Indeed, the defeat, the discoveries, and the prospect that a new administration might loosen the federal purse strings for human embryonic stem research could add an element of uncertainty to existing or planned state stem-cell programs.

"Right now, all of the activities on the pro-stem-cell front in the states has been driven by the lack of federal funding for this research," says Patrick Kelly of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. "So if a new administration comes in and approves more federal funding, the need in the states is going to be diminished." But in states with existing programs "I don't think they'll ever be redundant."

I THINK ALL THESE PEOPLE AGAINST EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS ARE NOT "DYING".
IF THEY WERE IN MY SHOES OR ANY ONE'S THAT'S FACING THE PATH OF TIME-THERE TAKE ON THIS SUBJECT WOULD BE FAR DIFFERENT. I WOULD LOVE TO GET IN FRONT OF THESE PEOPLE AND SAY, "IS IT FAIR THAT I'M 34 AND HAVE ALS? IS IT FAIR THAT I CAN'T GET THE TREATMENT I NEED IN THE MY OWN COUNTRY? IS IT FAIR W/ OUT ANY TREATMENT AVAILABLE I'M DEFINITELY GOING TO DIE-IS IT F#%K%4G FAIR?

THOUGHT SO!!!!!!!!!
SORRY IF I OFFENDED SOME PEOPLE THAT ARE AGAINST THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT. YOU'RE NOT IN MY SHOES AND IF YOU WERE, YOU WOULD DO THE SAME. IT'S HUMAN NATURE TO DO ANYTHING POSSIBLE TO STAY ALIVE. ANYTHING

Pics of the day

dreaming about stem cells-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
me waiting outside the OR
the stem cells being flown in
McDonald's delivers!! That's what I had on thanksgiving!
Mike-from Toronto and I waiting to get into the OR
Phil-Brian-Thomas playing poker w/ Q-tips.

Friday, November 23, 2007

Post Turkey Wisdom!

I've never stayed awake at night over a chance I took that failed, but I've stayed awake over chances I didn't take.-Garth Brooks

Never deny a diagnosis, but do deny the negative verdict that might go with it.-Norman Cousins


We learn to fly not by becoming fearless, but by the daily practice of courage.-Sam Keen

The most wasted of all days is that during which one has not laughed." -- Nicolas De Chamfort

Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.-James Baldwin


from a
friend-thought I would share

FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING

The Friday after thanksgiving

Well here’s the skinny-My physical therapist Dr. Doris (she is a doctor-she practiced in the Philippines before she came to US) has a brother and sister who are also doctors living in the Philippines. They know this world renowned healer priest and they are trying to get me in front of him. So, it looks as though mom and I are going. We won’t no for sure until a few days from now but how great is this. A person going out on a limb for another for another human being-can’t be a greater gift than that!! Hey, it is what it is and WHATEVER IT TAKES!!
I’m just thankful they’re people in my corner(LIKE ALL OF YOU). A year ago I would have said, “no way”. It’s amazing when you’re facing the path of time, how close you become to your higher power. I have a few close friends to thank for that. They got me to go to church and really let go and let God. I’m not a holy roller but I do think I need a miracle here.

My day was great! All my sessions went well. I found this letter on the Project main st. website www.projectmainst.org .
It’s from the founder-Tim. He wrote this to be read at last’s years gala. In the face of a ton of uncertainty his words comforted me I more ways than one:

Tim Sheehy's Speech:
Tim's emotional greeting to the equally emotional crowd, his beautiful and poignant speech, was delivered lovingly by his sister-in-law Megan April l7th 2006.


When the Dr. wrote ALS on the prescription pad and handed it to me, I didn't even know what ALS was. Over the last 2 years I've learned what ALS is. ALS is growing up on Roosevelt Island, playing in the abandoned ruins or playing pickup baseball games all day, and then playing basketball all night at Blackwell Park. ALS is going to a public Junior High School on 96th street, meeting all types of kids from all over the city and learning what Motion Bombing is. ALS is going to Loyola High School and not knowing what a Preppy is or what parish I came from because I was never baptized. Despite this fact, Father Prior took me in and taught me the valuable lesson that it's better to live in the service of others. ALS is going to the University of South Carolina to play soccer, becoming a DJ on WUSC and discovering Hank Williams Sr. Before going down south, I thought the Yankees were just a baseball team in the Bronx. ALS is about coming back from college and finding that the perfect girl for me was right across the street my whole life. ALS is getting my first job at A Current Affair, working 16 hours a day, learning how to write promo copy and finding that the Royals were not just a baseball team in Kansas City, but the tabloid news term for the royal family in England. ALS is starting my own set-building company in Brooklyn with the best partner a guy could have, and working with friends on jobs where we have to work as a team, day in and day out. And doing watershoots with supermodels isn't bad either. ALS is having a daughter who is everything you'd thought she would be. She's funny, strong-willed and compassionate. ALS is family coming together, and in-laws becoming immediate family. ALS is reuniting with old friends, making new friends, and people doing the right thing for other people. ALS is realizing that there are many good people in the world and that it is more rewarding to do for others than it is to always do for yourself. ALS is having hope, showing love, and telling people what you've always wanted to tell them. ALS is about sitting in my La-Z-Boy chair between Netflix movies replaying the adventure movie that was my life.

ALS IS NOT ABOUT GIVING UP AND LISTENING TO YOUR DOCTORS SAY,”GO HOME AND GET YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER, THERE’S NOTHING WE CAN DO”. IT’S ABOUT EXACTLY WHAT TIM SAID-IN SHORT-IT’S ABOUT LIVING IN THE DAY-IT’S ABOUT LOVE,LAUGHTER AND TAKING IT ALL IN-IT’S ABOUT LOVED ONES-IT’S MOST IMPORTANTLY ABOUT HOPE BECAUSE IF YOU DO NOT HOPE YOU’LL NEVER FIND WHAT’S BEYOND YOUR HOPE.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

more pics

I WAS SHOCKED WHEN MY MOM -I HAD NO IDEA!
SHE IS THE NURSE AT THE ACUPUNCTURISTS OFFICE

OH, BY THE WAY THAT'S MY ASS WITH NEEDLES AND ELECTRODES HOOKED UP TO IT!!~

SUNEEL AND DIANA WAITING THEIR TURN
SOME RANDOM

AHH! THE ACUPUNCTURIST AKA THE MAD SCIENTIST.




LOOK AT HIS EYES! HE REALLY LOVES HIS JOB AND HE YELLS IN CHINESE EVERY TIME HE PUTS A NEEDLE A HALF INCH DEEP INTO YOUR MUSCLES!






HEY ALL,


I'M HAVING GREAT DAY. I HAD POTATO BREAD AND MCNUGGETS FOR THANKSGIVING. GOT MY STITCHES SO I CAN FINALLY WASH MY WHOLE HEAD OF HAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!





HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL


SMILE AT SOMEONE TODAY!


LOVE YA,


DREW

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

a little piggy at walmart-they cut it up right there in the open
if you listen closely you can here him squeal-weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
and for you fish lovers I have a treat-they will fillet it for you upon request-some people take them in a bag -live and they are thrashing around all the way through the checkout line


mom and Phil(Canada) waiting for us in the acupuncture room- actually they are trying to decide the fish or the pig-weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!