So just last week I returned from a 2 week trip to Washington DC and Baltimore. On April 22 I attended an all day Scientific Symposium hosted by Unite to Fight Paralysis and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. We heard medical updates from Dr Wise Young and Dr John McDonald, among others, about finding a cure for paralysis via stem cells and other sources. Dr. Young is doing some great studies in China, while Dr. McDonald stressed the importance of exercizing to keep our bodies healthy for when a cure arrives. I met representatives from Geron, Boston Life Sciences and Novartis Institute. The speeches were very informative and inspiring. On April 24, a rally on Capitol Hill took place, where speeches were given by patient advocates, including myself, and advocates of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act. After the rally, dedicated supporters split up to speak with delagates from their state to stress the importance of passing this act. For more info about the Symposium & Rally, please visit www.sci.rutgers.edu and search for Working 2 Walk 2007. Regarding the rest of my stay in Baltimore, I joined Dr. McDonalds FES Program (electrical stim) for 2 weeks and was thrilled with my treatment - Occupational & Physical Therapy. I worked out everyday for 4 hours and left feeling fabulous! I would recommend the program to anyone who has been affected by a spinal cord injury because it motivates you to exercize all the muscles you have while strengthening them. It is important to note however, that 2 weeks is just the beginning… now the work will begin on my own at home everyday. If anyone is interested in hearing more, please drop me a line. That’s it for now…