posted October 22, 2004 01:08 PM              

By MARY DALRYMPLE

GIRARD, Ohio (AP) - Christopher Reeve's widow, Dana, plans to join Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry for a campaign speech about the importance of science, research and innovation.
Reeve supports Kerry's intention to expand federally funded embryonic stem cell research. The campaign said she approached the Massachusetts senator about making what probably will be her only campaign appearance, a speech Thursday in Columbus, Ohio.
Christopher Reeve became an advocate of spinal cord research, including looser restrictions on stem cell research, after a horse riding accident that left him a quadriplegic for the last nine years of his life.
Kerry knew the ``Superman'' actor for about 15 years through family and activist connections. Reeve left him a long telephone message the day before he died, thanking him for campaigning on behalf of medical research.
His death has since reverberated on the campaign trail, as Kerry battles President Bush over the ethics of stem cell research using embryos destroyed for research. Bush restricted federally funded research to lines already existing before his 2001 executive order, a decision criticized by some scientists and research advocates.

Kerry's running mate, John Edwards, caused a stir earlier this month when he invoked the actor at a campaign event.

``If we do the work that we can do in this country, the work that we will do when John Kerry is president, people like Christopher Reeve will get up out of that wheelchair and walk again,'' Edwards said.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican and doctor, accused Kerry and Edwards of ``shamefully trying to use the death of people like Christopher Reeve to promote falsehoods and dishonesty'' about Bush's position on stem cell research.

10/21/04 06:50

© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

posted October 22, 2004 02:02 PM              

I have personal stake in stem cell research. My 4 year old grand daughter was born with Neuroblastoma, a form of cancer caused by neuro blasts from the brain. By the grace of God and the miracles he performed for her Maddie is a healthy, beautiful 4 year old today. Cancer free.

However, because she had to undergo chemotherapy she is at risk for developing lukemia (sp?) Her life could be saved if she should develop that by stem cells saved from a subsequent child my son and daughter in law might have. If they did not have another child her life may be dependent on stem cell research.

I am very happy that Kerry is in favor of stem cell research not only for my grand daughter's sake, but the millions of people who stand to benefit from it. Very happy that Christopher Reeve's wife is campaigning along with Kerry to give speechs about the importance of stem cell research.

posted October 22, 2004 03:04 PM              

I'm sure I cannot even fathom what it must feel like to have someone so close to you stricken with such an illness.

posted October 22, 2004 04:40 PM              

lala, congrats on Mod status. How long has it been? Last I checked Randall was Mod-ing the astrology course.