Cancer Survivor Kristine Reed Joins NeoStem in Community Outreach Effort Aimed at Those in Remission.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 4, 2003 In an effort to reach out to leukemia and lymphoma survivors, and offer them a new alternative to protect against possible relapse, NeoStem ( www.neostem.com ) announced today that Kristine Reed, a survivor of leukemia, will join the company as a community outreach spokesperson. The 30-year-old cancer survivor was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia n. Abbr. AML Myelogenous leukemia characterized by rapid abnormal increase in the number of myeloblasts and progression of symptoms. (AML AML - A Manufacturing Language ) in 1999 and began a combination of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation Stem Cell Transplantation Definition Stem cells are basic human cells that reproduce (replicate) easily, providing a continuous source of new, sometimes different types of cells. on her way to remission. "Cancer is one of the most frightening words people can hear from their doctor," said Reed. "I required a stem cell stem cell In living organisms, an undifferentiated cell that can produce other cells that eventually make up specialized tissues and organs. There are two major types of stem cells, embryonic and adult. transplant to survive, and I intend to bank my stem cells stem cells, unspecialized human or animal cells that can produce mature specialized body cells and at the same time replicate themselves. Embryonic stem cells are derived from a blastocyst (the blastula typical of placental mammals; see embryo), which is very young to protect against a relapse. The ability to store one's own stem cells offers an unique prospect for people to not only protect themselves against cancer, but also against the many other diseases for which stem cells show a potential as an effective treatment." Reed, who has been in remission for four years, will play a pivotal role at NeoStem, a new company committed to pioneering adult stem cell Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found throughout the body that divide to replenish dying cells and regenerate damaged tissues. Also known as somatic (from Greek Σωματικóς, of the body therapeutics. She will serve as a spokesperson to the community of cancer patients and their support networks, informing them about the choices to be made regarding regenerative medicine. Reed plans to be among the first to bank her own stem cells with NeoStem. "Kristine will further give light to the potential of adult stem cells in transforming the treatment options for certain types of cancers, ultimately improving the quality and length of life," said Denis Denis, king of Portugal: see Diniz. Rodgerson, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , NeoStem. "I am confident that Kristine will help build public trust and confidence in this new treatment option, informing other cancer survivors and their families about the benefits of adult stem cell banking, and assisting us in building awareness within affected communities. The message to that population could not be more clear - banking your own stem cells is the proactive and cost-effective thing to do, so one can avoid the search for a match, in the event remission ends." Realizing how fortunate she is as a survivor, in June 2000 Reed joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as Assistant to the Executive Director. She also gives to other leukemia patients by participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Team in Training" program. In December 2000, just 18 months after her stem cell transplant, she walked the Honolulu Marathon. And, for good measure, she completed the Suzuki Rock 'n Roll San Diego Marathon in June 2002. About NeoStem Based in Agoura Hills, Calif., NeoStem Inc. ( www.neostem.com ) is pioneering the pre-disease collection, processing and storage of adult stem cells for future medical treatments. NeoStem is engaged in autologous autologous /au·tol·o·gous/ (aw-tol´ah-gus) related to self; belonging to the same organism. au·tol·o·gous adj. 1. stem cell collection for therapy, which does not involve embryonic or fetal stem cells in any way. NeoStem was founded by former executives and founders of StemCyte, Inc., the world's second largest umbilical cord stem cell bank. In addition to other proprietary intellectual properties in the field of stem cell therapeutics, cellular biology and laboratory medicine, the company has developed and filed numerous patents on the processing techniques and therapeutic applications of adult stem cells for future healthcare needs. |
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