As I boarded flight 425 to Boston on October 1, 2007, an air of excitement entertained me. With my mom by my side, pen and pad in hand, I knew this would be a very important trip, one full of emotion, filled with much significance. The Stem Cell Summit 2007… hosted by the Genetics Policy Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, and Burrill Life Sciences Media Group was about to take place.

So there I was, gathering with close to 600 of the world’s leading stem cell researchers, patient advocates, pharmaceutical and biotech executives, and people from the venture capital world. The 3 day adventure began with a VIP Cocktail Reception the evening before the conference. I met with Brock Reeve, Exec Director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Steven Burrill, president of Burrill Life Sciences Media Group, and of course, my mentor and friend Bernie Siegel with the Genetics Policy Institute. They all seemed pretty calm and cool, but I’m sure the nerves were kicking in as all 3 men were about to play a huge role in the conference.

As expected, the next morning I arrived at the Hynes Convention Center bright and early, surrounded by an enthused crowd. Bernie made the welcoming remarks and introduced a panel of experts to kick start. Not too long after, I felt tears streaming down my face as fellow advocate Brooke Ellison took stage and spoke of her struggles with a spinal cord injury. Not only could I relate, I wanted to help. Even more. Not only myself, or her, but the thousands suffering who don’t have the opportunity to share their words. What a way to start the conference. Full of meaning, full of hope.

The day and and a half progressed into more meaning and more hope, as some of the top scientists in the field, including Doug Melton, Steven Eggan and Camillo Ricordi, spoke. We heard from the biotech companies and venture capitalists to get their business perspective on the issue. The awards dinner was a great way to acknowledge some of the leaders in the field, including the Student Society for Stem Cell Research, and Micheal J. Fox. I spoke on a panel to introduce the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research and my advocacy efforts. By my side was Eve Harold (author of Stem Cell Wars), Don Reed (Roman -Reed Act) Sean Tipton, Tricia Brooks and Michael Mangelio (formerly associates of the Christopher Reeve Foundation). I think it gave a unique perspective on how one individual can make a difference.
By afternoon, we broke out into smaller session groups. I attended the “Cancer and Stem Cells” as I was most curious to hear the progress with that disease since it is less talked about. I figured out why, since its pretty complex. I thoroughly enjoyed a round-table discussion with John Hlinko, a friend, advocate and member of my board. We discussed what role stem cell research will play in the 2008 political elections. Cynthia Poreh, another friend and member of my board, flew in from Miami to attend the conference and learn more. I believe she got much out of it and is excited to do more, as am I.

Overall, it was a fabulous educational and networking experience. Bernie, you were “Over the top!”

To read more about the summit and see how my “Unlock the Cells” slogan made an appearance at the event, please visit
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2007/10.04/09-stemcell.html