This spring, the 2016 Hadassah Nassau Stem Cell Walk-A-Thon, which takes place on both the North and South Shores, will be held at Temple Israel of Great Neck on Sunday, May 15. This annual Walk-A-Thon brings together compassionate, like-minded women, men and children to walk together to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for stem-cell research.
The existence of adult stem cells has been a major discovery in the last decade. These adult cells live all over our bodies and their function is to repair local damage. A patient’s own stem cells—harvested, enhanced and reinjected into the patient—have been used to treat cancer, ALS, MS and other diseases.
At the Hadassah Medical Organization, physicians and researchers are modern-day pioneers in this field and are making groundbreaking strides in their efforts to unravel the mysteries of life-threatening diseases. Clinical trials led by Professor Meir Liebergall, head of orthopedics at Hadassah Medical Organization, proved that use of a patient’s stem cells can cut the healing time of broken bones to one-quarter the usual recovery period. This is regenerative medicine, and this is the promise of stem-cell research.
Last spring, the walk raised the amazing sum of $155,000. Join this year’s efforts by walking with the group and raising funds through donations and sponsors to advance stem-cell research at Hadassah Hospital, helping scientists “turn research into cures.”
In addition to inviting families to participate, the group is encouraging students of all ages to get involved. Students can help by organizing, publicizing and raising funds for the Walk-A-Thon and, of course, by walking. The student who raises the most money will be awarded a prize.
Registration will begin at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 15, at Temple Israel of Great Neck, 108 Old Mill Rd., and the walk will take place rain or shine. The minimum donation to participate is $20 per person or $36 per family. Visit www.hadassah.org/events/nassauwalks to register, make a donation and/or create your own personal sponsor page. For further information, contact Roz Meyerson at 516-466-9078 or email sharaypress@verizon.net.
