It's Official: Funding for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program has passed in Alabama!




(AP Photo/Dave Martin, file photo from April 12, 2012, as the Alabama House is seen in Session.)

I am thrilled to report that funding for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program has been approved by the Alabama State Legislature and is expected to be signed by Governor Bentley very soon. Sponsored by Senator Marc Keahey (D-Grove Hill), this initiative will provide approximately $400,000 in research funding to the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine.

The money will be administered by Dr. Candace Floyd, Interim Director of Clinical Research for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. "This is an important initiative that will go a long way toward finding a cure and alleviating the side affects that spinal cord injury patients experience," said Floyd.

Senator Keahey said, "I am honored to bring the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program to the forefront of Alabama's medical research innovative efforts." He added, "This is cutting edge research and something I feel Alabama will benefit from having on hand."

The initial method of funding for this research program was to impose a small fine on reckless drivers through Senator Keahey's bill SB338, the proceeds going to the Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund. This approach was to mimic that of California's  "Roman Reed Law" which has made a significant impact on SCI research in America, and across the world.

However, because this research impacts more than the field of medicine, Senator Keahey received bipartisan support to embed $400,000 as a line-item in the ETF (Education Trust Fund) budget for the T.J. Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Program. "Having the support of both Democrats and Republicans was a confirmation of how important this initiative is to our state. Not only will this research advance our knowledge of the spinal cord, it will also support post doctoral research and encourage the best and brightest young scientists to the field of spinal cord injury research, right here in the great state of Alabama."

Spinal Cord Injury Facts:

• It is estimated that the annual incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is approximately 40 cases per million population in the U. S. or approximately 12,000 new cases each year.
• The number of people in the United States who have SCI has been estimated to be approximately 265,000 persons.
• Since 2005, motor vehicle crashes account for 40.4% of reported SCI cases.

For more SCI Facts, please visit the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, Birmingham, Alabama.

In closing, I'd like to say that the support from all of you is what has kept us energized and focused on strengthening spinal cord injury research in Alabama. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this important cause. Giving all the glory to God: WE DID IT!!! Much love, Tory

Rally Time for Roman!

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. 

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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: jeff.barbosa@asm.ca.gov.  

 (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 White Collar jobs. Returns 4 dollars for every dollar spent.

Please vote aye on AB 1657

Thank you!

TJ's Visit to the Spain Rehabilitation Center!

I spoke with TJ this morning, and he is still on cloud nine from yesterday's visit to the Spain Rehabilitation Center in Birmingham. This trip was important to TJ for many reasons: to build awareness for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act in Alabama; to meet doctors at the Spain Center who champion health and research for spinal cord injury; and to show his dedication and commitment to being a patient advocate for paralysis cure.

With about 15 supporters of "TJ's Law" making the trip to Birmingham, including mentor Roman Reed from the Roman Reed Foundation in California, this first face-to-face meeting for TJ and Dr. Candace Floyd was a long-awaited celebration and memorable jump start to TJ's decision of becoming a patient advocate. "I still can't believe how far we have come since that first meeting back in November," TJ said.

Just before lunch, Dr. Floyd introduced Dr. Richard Marchase, Professor and Vice President of Research and Economic Development, and Dr. Robert Kimberly, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research.

Dr. Marchase and Dr. Kimberly took time getting to know everyone and gave assurance that the University of Alabama Birmingham was of tremendous support for the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act. "This legislation is very important for all Alabamians living with spinal cord injury, and we will be great stewards of the funds generated from it," stated Dr. Marchase.

Next up, Dr. Floyd explained the new frontiers in translational research at UAB. Her impressive powerpoint fueled our interests in the scientific dynamics of spinal cord injury research, and helped us to understand how critical funding is to take these incredible ideas from animal studies to human clinical trials. We were encouraged by Dr. Floyd's closing words: "When 'SB338' is passed and the ball is tossed to us, we are going to catch it and run with it!"

Other UAB presenters included Dr. Robert Brunner, Medical Director of the Spain Rehabilitation Center and Associate Chief of Staff; Jacquelyn Green, Director of Research Services of the Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Dr. Yu-Ying Chen, Associate Professor of the Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, PI SCI Model System; Dr. Danielle Powell, Assistant Professor of the Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Dr. Amie Jackson, Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, PI SCI Model System; and Yvonne Akins, Executive Administrator of the Dept. of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Not only was Wednesday's meeting a great opportunity to bring together fellow supporters of spinal cord injury research, it was the perfect forum for exchanging innovative ideas of making this important research a priority in the state. It was a day filled with motivation, new friendships, and a common goal for all: to get the paralyzed back on their feet.

The next few weeks will determine if paralysis cure becomes Alabama Law... PLEASE SUPPORT SB338! 

*An inside look from our friends at Birmingham News ABC 33 / 40 ~ Bill to fund spinal cord injury research gains momentum in legislature by Haley Westbrook

Why We Need Your Letters of Support!

Why We Need Your Letters of Support!
Help us fund the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act - you can make a difference in the research for cure by writing a letter of support to your local representative.

Senator Marc Keahey is the author of the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act. He will face the budget battles, and political debates of why this research is necessary in Alabama. We must not let him fight empty-handed.

He needs letters of support from Alabamians, and also from affected individuals and groups from everywhere—paralysis knows no boundaries. 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 own completely. Please write something, and do it soon, please: the 2012 Legislative Session begins tomorrow, February 7th. Emails and ground letters must go out very soon, tonight if possible. Thank you for supporting 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 Spinal Cord Injury Research Act, which would impose a small fine on reckless drivers, the proceeds going to the Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund, which is operated by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Thank you for your efforts and best wishes for a successful Legislative Session.

Sincerely,

____________________ (your name)

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If you want to write more, that would be great, but that single sentence is what counts. Do it right now, before you forget; help every paralyzed person in the world come closer to cure."Take a stand, in favor of research for cure--take a stand, so one day, everybody can."

Please send letters of support to:

Senator Marc Keahey
P.O. Box 934
Grove Hill, AL 36451

Email: marc@keaheylawoffice.com (subject line: TJ's Law)

For more information call: 251-275-3127

Fax: 251-275-3129                       

 

Thank you for your support! ~ Tory           

 

Senator Keahey's press release for "TJ's Law!"

Very exciting news! Follow this link to read Senator Marc Keahey's Press Release for "TJ's Law."

The beginning of "TJ's Law!"

Very similar to what Roman Reed did in 1998 with the Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act of California, the brave TJ Atchison hopes to accomplish this and more in the great state of Alabama.


Yesterday, before a crowd of fifty close family members and friends, Senator Marc Keahey announced his plans to introduce the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act in Alabama. This legislation would use funds generated from traffic violations such as reckless driving and DUI to support spinal cord injury research in our state.

Shortly after explaining the framework behind "TJ's Law," Senator Keahey passed the microphone to the young man who inspired him to take such a political stance on spinal cord injury research.

With a sweet smile across his face, and a determined tone in his voice, TJ Atchison read from a crinkled piece of computer paper in his lap:

"Good afternoon! I am TJ Atchison, the world’s first participant in our nation’s first ever federally approved clinical trial using human embryonic stem cell therapy and co-author of The Human Candidate. I am paralyzed from a car accident and fighting for a paralysis cure.

In firmly believing in the love, grace and sovereignty of God in creating and embracing human life, I also believe in the justification for sustaining a quality of life for myself, the 1.8 million Americans living with spinal cord injury paralysis, 5.6 million Americans suffering from some form of paralysis and all people living paralyzed. It is my desire to convey a message of hope and peace and provide answers for why I decided to participate in the highly controversial clinical trial that began on October 8, 2010.

So now I ask for your help in making the dreams of a paralysis cure a reality by supporting the TJ Atchison Spinal Cord Injury Research Act Authored by our great Senator Marc Keahey!

Our Law will impose a small $1 added sur-charge on all moving traffic violations, $5 for aggravated moving violations, and $10 for DUI - no taxes, or State general fund withdrawals – to fund the research for paralysis cure while creating jobs and giving hope to the paralyzed – all, right here within our great home State of Alabama.

Your support will strongly impact whether or not I spend the rest of my life confined to a wheelchair or accomplish my dream of walking again. We must fund the research for spinal cord injury cure.

I ask you: PLEASE STAND WITH ME, SO WE CAN ALL STAND WITH YOU!"

After a brotherly handshake, TJ passed the mic to his friend and mentor, Roman Reed.
Instantly, the advocate spirit came shining through, as Roman educated the crowd on the importance for finding a paralysis cure.

"The very first mention of paralysis was written inside the walls of an Egyptian tomb. It read, 'deny the paralyzed soldier water, for there is nothing that can be done.' For too long, that was the truth, but not now. Not anymore! There is MUCH that can be done, that WILL be done, and SHOULD be done."

Roman then shared a quote from one of his boyhood heroes, Jackie Robinson, "A life is not worth living, EXCEPT for the impact it has on others."

In closing of TJ's press conference, Roman referenced to a letter written by the late Christopher Reeve. The words from this letter sent chills across my arms and brought tears to nearly everyone in the crowd.

Roman read with such proudness and strength the words of his hero and friend. "Christopher Reeve wrote to me shortly after my football accident, saying 'One day Roman and I shall stand up from our wheelchairs and walk away from for forever.'  Now that did not come in time for our Superman, but with your help (defining the audience), the cure will happen for me, TJ, the 1.8 million Americans suffering from spinal cord injury paralysis, and the 5.6 million Americans suffering from some sort of paralysis."

As the afternoon came to an end, it was in total agreement from the audience that this is where we go from here - the beginning of the future for research and healing!

I'd like to end by saying that it was an incredible honor and privilege to take part in yesterday's events. I am so proud of Senator Keahey - our knight in shining armor, the brave TJ, and the incredible Roman Reed for making this day happen. The brave and righteous actions taken yesterday will bring about our paralysis cure for today and tomorrow. Take care everyone, and have a great rest of the week! Much love, ~ Tory
 
   

On Schedule!

This Monday may seem like a typical start to the week for most, but for TJ Atchison, it's a day that he will remember always. The twenty-two year old nursing student is following his normal Monday schedule - attending classes, visiting patients, socializing with friends, but he's also squeezing in a press conference to share BIG news with all of you. 

As I left for work this morning, a close friend called and asked if TJ's press conference was on schedule for today. A few minutes later, text messages started pouring in and my email inbox filled with the same question. So, I thought it would be nice to let all of you know that TJ's press conference is on schedule for 1 pm today at USA's Moulton Tower. He's not a bit nervous, just eager to share the exciting news with everyone. 

In closing, I'd like to ask that you keep TJ in your thoughts and prayers today. Because of this brave young man, huge advances in spinal cord injury research are on the horizon! Best wishes, everyone! ~ Tory