Juan Domínguez-Bendala, Ph.D., is Director of Stem Cell Development for Translational Research at the Diabetes Research Institute. Once again, thanks to Gina and Jon at Diabetes Talkfest - you'll have the opportunity to chat live with Dr. Domínguez-Bendala on August 23rd at 9pm Eastern Standard Time.

Dr. Domínguez-Bendala is currently involved in several projects that focus on the use of embryonic stem cells to obtain pancreatic islets, in the hopes that these newly developed cells could one day be transplanted into patients with type I diabetes.

Join Dr. Domínguez-Bendala to discuss his work and ask questions pertaining to embryonic stem cell research. I know I'll be there, in true form, asking questions that I've been archiving for an event like this one!

The JDRF Government Relations would like to encourage all diabetics to take action and let your Senators know that you want them to support the Senate Bill 5 (S.5) - the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Of course, if you do not support this bill you are in no way expected to do any of the following - but for the sake of enlightenment, I invite you to read on.

This bill is similar to H.R. 3, which passed the U.S. House in January and H.R. 810, which passed both the House and the Senate last year. This legislation will allow federally funded researchers to use additional stem cell lines for their research.

If you wish to take action, and let your Senators know that you support this important bill--you can personalize a letter that will be faxed to your Senators offices on your behalf by following one simple step:

Visit the Take Action page. Review the letter supplied and enter your personal story in the paragraph provided.

So here's my personal story - and why I'm disappointed that any politician appointed for the welfare of the citizens that elected him or her would disrupt the promise stem cell research could offer diseases like diabetes:

My name is Allison Beatty and I am a juvenile diabetic. I was diagnosed in July, 1985. As a type 1 diabetic for over 21 years (and of legal voting age for 11 years) I am disappointed that officials governing the use of my tax dollars have impeded the most promising avenue of research to remedy a National problem like diabetes.

The incentive of those who oppose stem cell research is strictly religious and I am insulted that my quality of life on Earth today is compromised by the FAITH in where they will end UP in the afterlife.

Please do not allow the religious forum to dictate the scientific relevance of one of he most promising answers to address life-threatening illness. I trust your decision as a politician will best serve the needs of those living on Earth today, and not on your destination in the afterlife.

Although they are not currently targeting my Senator(s) for this campaign – that's my personal story, and I'm sticking to it. I hope the politicians who oppose stem cell research can see past their personal crusade to save their soul and start acting on saving lives!