Yesterday, I visited my elementary school to speak with the kids about my injury and stem cell foundation. I hadn’t been in the auditorium where I spoke for close to 15 years! It was great… lots of memories, saw my fabulous teachers (who still look great) and met lots of the students. They all had great questions, including “Do I agree with the Bush Administration on the issue of stem cell research?” NO! So that’s why I started SCF. I wish I could have stayed longer but I’ll be back soon. You guys were great…

Almost one week out, and the response from the release of the first Infinite Solutions Newsletter from my foundation was great. It’s very encouraging to see all the support I’m receiving from friends, family and strangers.Thanks so much. I hope you enjoyed the material, including the pictures from “Bowling for Breakthroughs,” video footage, an intro to The S.C.R.E.AM Music Tour, and info about this years “Unite 2 Fight Paralysis” rally in DC. I’ll be back later to post some pics…

A 2006 poll indicates that 72% of Americans support embryonic
stem cell research. This majority is further bolstered by an
overwhelming coalition of our nation’s scientists and a
bipartisan majority in Congress. This past November, Americans
only further revealed their commitment to expanding this
research, electing pro-stem cell candidates by a wide margin.

Unfortunately, the religious right — the only major interest
group in America that opposes this ground-breaking research –
continues to urge our leaders to put their agenda above the
lives and health of Americans.

I’ve sent a letter to my Senators urging them to help garner a
veto-proof majority for this bill. Will you join me? Click this
link to show your support for stem cell research:
http://ga3.org/campaign/stemcell_senate?rk=a7xi4kp1EAJqW

Early this morning I attended and spoke at a conference held by Prosperity Life Planning, a nonprofit organization focussed on how to protect the future and benefits of children with special needs. Jaret & Karen Vogel run the organization and started it because they have a son with Autism. I met the couple over a year ago, told them about my involvement with stem cell research and how the science is being used to understand the disease and possibly treat it one day. Since then, they have taught me much about the disease and how it effects ones life and family. Because of their interest and support of my efforts with SCR, they invited me to introduce my foundation to their people. The event was held at the Palm Beach Habilitation Center and the panel discussion surrounded how to properly structure and create a financial plan in the event that your child or someone you love is born with a developmental disability. Other ladies who spoke included Arlene Lakin, Attorney, mother of a developmentally disabled child, who writes Special Needs Trusts and Guardianships and Elaine Terner, “ExceptionalDesigns,” mother of a child with autism, and an Interior Designer for the Special Needs home. I’m glad I had the opportunity to collaborate with this group, hear their points of view and then speak on behalf of education, hope and possibility.

Last week, on March 14, I had the opportunity to attend a Hadassah fundraiser and speak on behalf of SCF and the importance of stem cell research. I was excited to see over 200 supportive South Florida ladies attend, including an introduction to Aventura Mayor, Susan Gottlieb. The update and progress of stem cell research by Hadassah’s own Medical Center in Israel was remarkable. The major objective of the center is to develop the technologies that will eventually allow the utilization of hESCs for transplantation and gene therapy. Other roles are to stimulate and support hESC research activity in Hadassah as well as other institutions in Israel, and to put Hadassah and Israel on the scientific map as a dominant participant producing cutting-edge technology in the area of stem cell research. I enjoyed the event tremendously and am proud to be a member of their organization. Keep up the good work!

Just wanted to say a quick congratulations to New Jersey for the great news about their $270 million dollar initiative to fund stem cell research in years to come. It’s very encouraging and exciting to see that individual states in the U.S. are stepping up to the plate to support embryonic stem cell research. I’m curious to hear what others think about this? How does it make you feel about what’s going on in your state?

To everyone who attended last nights event, all l can say is what an incredible way to kick off SCF. From bowling, to eating & drinking, smoozing and raising funds, the night was a complete success! Thank you to all my team captains for doing your part and bringing people out, those of you who sponsored the event and my crew who worked the night including my mom - Evelyn, sister in law - Mona, brother - David, volunteer Katie Sullivan, and best friend & Treasurer of SCF Juan Babani! Also, much thanks to Scott Wolfson, from Wolfson Productions, for being there ALL night to film the event. I can’t wait to see the night on tape and share it with all of you. Lastly, special thanks to Commissioner Saul Gross, Commissioner Richard Steinberg and Commissioner Jerry Libbin for being there. For those of you who don’t know, by chance Miami Heat player Gary Payton was at Lucky Strikes bowling and Commissioner Libbin challanged him to make a pledge for SCF. Turns out Gary made a strike for stem cell research, donating $500 to SCF while Commissioner Libbin pledged $400! Thank you guys, plus the rest of you for your support and belief in my mission and the Sabrina Cohen Foundation. I look forward to many more successful events. Please feel free to post your comments, ideas and thoughts about the evening. I’d love to hear what you have to say Many thanks, Sabrina Cohen (pics & video coming soon)

Hey guys! Welcome to the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research blog. Feel free to post your thoughts on the new foundation, stem cell research and anything else you have on your mind. I look forward to starting up a conversation with you. Sincerely, Sabrina Cohen