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| From left: Senator Keahey, TJ, and Governor Bentley |
Yesterday
Governor Bentley officially signed TJ's bill which approved funding for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program. Sponsored by
Senator Marc Keahey (D-Grove Hill), this initiative was passed by the Alabama State Legislature on May 16th which allocated $400,000 in research funding to the
University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine.
Details of the bill and the work that we did to accomplish this goal
are available here.A recap of the ceremony Representative Elaine Beech from Washington County, friends, family, supporters of TJ, along with
Dr. Candace Floyd and other UAB staff had the opportunity to meet with Governor Bentley and the legislative bill author, Senator Marc Keahey, for a ceremonial bill signing at the Capitol. Those of us who were lucky enough to attend the ceremony were pleased to share this special day with TJ and his family.
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| Governor Bentley having a private chat with TJ |
We knew that Governor Bentley was extremely busy and had many things on his agenda (such as visiting families of south Alabama who were impacted by storm, Isaac, earlier in the week), and so we expected that the ceremony would be quick. However, when the Governor came to meet us in the beautiful Old Office Chamber Room of the Capitol, he took the time to speak with TJ about his goals for being a patient advocate, then asked if we had any questions for him.
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| My daughter Catie, Governor Bentley, and TJ's sister Alyssa |
Governor Bentley was such a gracious host. He held the hands of our little ones and encouraged them to be great students, friends, and to work hard in their schools and communities.
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| From left: Senator Keahey, Tucker McDonald, Anita & Carey McDonald, Governor Bentley, Representative Elaine Beech; Bottom: Alyssa and TJ |
When there were no more picture requests or questions left to ask, the Governor seated himself at a desk in the center of the room and we gathered around him for the bill signing ceremony. After we had our group photo taken, the Governor handed out pens with his name on them to TJ and the children gathered around his chair.
In all, Governor Bentley spent about 25 minutes with our group. It was obvious that he enjoyed chatting with us and with TJ, as his staff finally had to inform him that it was time for the visit to end. Indeed, we were honored by the whole experience!
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| After tons of persistence and determination, TJ and I were thrilled to say, "WE DID IT!" |
Celebratory luncheon
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Program Administrator for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program,
Dr. Candace Floyd (standing), welcomed our group to the special luncheon held at
Central Restaurant in Montgomery.
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Of course our hearts were filled with such joy and happiness for what had been triumphantly accomplished, but our group sorely missed the company of our dear friend and ally
Roman Reed .
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November 11, 2011, the beginning of "TJ's Law"
From left: Me, Bonnie Blackwell, Roman Reed, and TJ |
Because of Roman's commitment to pass
AB 1657 (
This bill will raise funds to sustain the Roman Reed SCI Research Fund at UC Irvine’s Reeve-Irvine Center) in his home state of California, Roman was unable to make the trip to Bama for Governor Bentley's bill signing.
TJ's program at UAB would never have been possible had it not been for Roman's instrumental roll in the formation and passing of Senator Keahey's legislation. So on behalf of our TEAM, I would like to say thank you to Roman for everything he has done to encourage and help TJ in his mission for paralysis cure.
"From Alabama to California, TJ and I fight together so that one day soon, all who suffer from a spinal cord injury / paralysis can stand with you!" ~ Roman Reed
Please stay tuned to Head in the Clouds as more pictures from this special day will be posted soon. Take care and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
Much love, Tory
It's rally time, friends!
Roman Reed has been instrumental in the formation of SB338 in Alabama – the
T.J. Atchison SPINAL CORD INJURY RESEARCH ACT. “TJ’s Law” was filed into legislation by
Senator Marc Keahey on February 16, 2012 with funding
to be allocated via the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act has made a significant impact on SCI research in America, and across the world. As a witness to this devastating injury, I cannot stress how important the passing of AB1657 is for the future of therapeutic research discoveries in paralysis. “Roman’s Law” must be supported, so please join in support by cutting & pasting the letter below and send ASAP to Assembly Member Fuentes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We need your letters of support to pass AB 1657. Please write for paralysis cure!
Felipe Fuentes - Chair Democrat-39 (916) 319-2039 Assemblymember.Fuentes@assembly.ca.gov
Cc: [email protected].
(Sample letter can be cut & pasted)
Dear Chair Felipe Fuentes,
I, ...... ........, strongly support California AB 1657, a one dollar surcharge on all moving traffic violations to fund the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act.
AB 1657 provides annual funding for research of spinal cord injury and related ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinsons', SMA and related neurological conditions to be able to one day realize the dream of paralysis cure.
Supported by UC, CIRM, Bob Klein, Irv Weissman, Paul Berg, Craig Newmark, Stem Cells Inc., CA Stem Cell Inc. Hans Keirstead, California Healthcare Institute, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Art Torres, Duane Roth, Stu Gordon, Shinya Yamanaka, and the USC School of Politics among many others!
There is a clear nexis between 46% of all spinal cord injuries and 60% of children's SCI paralysis, (Mayo Clinic), caused by auto accidents and fining reckless drivers.
AB 1657 creates jobs, brings money into our State and enables the research that is the hope for paralysis cure.
AB 1657 Ensures CA's leadership in Biotechnology. Roman's Law gives CA Scientists the seed money to Prove in principal and establish data to leverage the huge funding sources of NIH, CIRM, etc.
Fiscally Responsible: No State funds. Creates and keeps Whi
Why We Need Your Letters ofSupport!
Help us fund the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act - you can make adifference in the research for cure by writing a letter of support to yourlocal representative.
Senator Marc Keahey is the authorof the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act. He will face the budgetbattles, and political debates of why this research is necessary in Alabama. Wemust not let him fight empty-handed.
He needs letters of support fromAlabamians, and also from affected individuals and groups from everywhere—paralysis knows noboundaries. Follow this link http://www.legislature.state.al.us/to search for your representative by zip code. We ask your help.Here is a sample letter, use all or some of it, if you like, or write your owncompletely. Please write something, and do it soon, please: the 2012Legislative Session begins tomorrow, February 7th. Emailsand ground letters must go out very soon, tonight if possible. Thank you forsupporting the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act.
Senator Keahey
P.O. Box 934
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Dear Senator Keahey:
I support the TJ Atchison SpinalCord Injury Research Act, which would impose a small fine on reckless drivers,the proceeds going to the Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund, which isoperated by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
0 Comments on Why We Need Your Letters of Support! as of 1/1/1900
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