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April 11, 2005

A Personal Message from Alison Bell

By Alison Ayres Bell

[Ed. Note: This is a guest post by Alison Ayres Bell, the wife of Chris Bell. She asked to share her personal story and thoughts on the stem cell research issue with our viewers. -Byron]

Today I wanted to tell you about something that means a great deal to Chris and me. Today the Texas House is considering legislation that would ban stem cell research in our state. This shocks me, not least because Chris and I strongly support research that can lead to groundbreaking cures for diseases. But I have a deeply personal stake in this fight as well.

Last November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

My doctors tell us that my prognosis is excellent, but any cancer patient will tell you that a good prognosis doesn’t make chemotherapy any less grueling. Surviving this disease is exhausting, painful, and terrifying, but most of all it is revealing because it reveals what you and those around you are really made of.

It’s funny that they call it “standing up” for something, because when I think of Chris’ commitment to helping me beat cancer, I think of him sitting down. Sitting down in the waiting room, holding my hand. Sitting down in the exam room, telling me bad jokes as we wait for the doctor. Sitting next to me in church as we pray for remission. Sitting next to me at the dinner table as we put up a brave front for the boys. And sitting with me in bed when I feel too weak to get up.

We believe there is a life after cancer, and we are trying to live our lives not just one day at a time, but in the hopes that we will have many more days and years after this one. Today, with his love and support, I am going to win this battle. Tomorrow, with Chris as Governor, we are going to win this war by supporting stem cell research that can lead to a cure for cancer and other diseases.

This is why I am supporting Chris as he explores the race for Governor. There is nothing more important in our lives than beating cancer, and there should be nothing more important to our state government than finding ways to ease suffering. Stem cell research should be part of that plan.

Here's what I want you to do. Call the House State Affairs Committee and tell them that Chris and Alison think stem cell research is a good idea. And if they ask “Who are Chris and Alison?” tell them they’re two Texans who are working hand in hand to make the future better.

Sincerely,
Alison Ayres Bell

Posted by Alison Ayres Bell at April 11, 2005 01:41 PM | TrackBack

Comments

Alison:

Could not see phone #'s...or am I just blind??
Good luck to you......

Thanks, Gles

Posted by: Gles at April 11, 2005 02:55 PM

Pardon my ignorance, but are any of the foundations or organizations started by Lance Armstrong also on board with supporting such research?

And all my best wishes to the Bell family as they deal with this.

Posted by: norbizness at April 11, 2005 03:38 PM

Phone numbers are below...

House State Affairs Committee:

Chair: Rep. David Swinford (R - Amarillo), 512-463-0470
Vice Chair: Rep. Sid Miller (R - Stephenville), 512-463-0628
Rep. Dan Gattis (R - Georgetown), 512-463-0309
Rep. Jessica Farrar (D - Houston), 512-463-0620
Rep. Jim Keffer (R - Eastland), 512-463-0656
Rep. Byron Cook (R - Corsicana), 512-463-0730
Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, (D - San Antonio), 512-463-0616
Rep. Michael Villarreal (D - San Antonio), 512-463-0532
Rep. Martha Wong (R - Houston), 512-463-0389

Posted by: Tim McCann at April 11, 2005 04:09 PM

Many thanks for sharing your story.

Also, from the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, all the best to you and your family during this difficult time.

Posted by: Boadicea at April 11, 2005 04:58 PM

I called Martha W(r)ong's office as soon as I got the message via email. They took my name and address and said "We will deliver the message."

I hope the message of using science to save and improve lives will resonate in the House district with the largest medical center in Texas.

Let Alison know she is in our prayers and that I will glady provide Chris with a new book of bad jokes to entertain her with.

Posted by: Bill Kelly at April 11, 2005 05:35 PM

Done (Wong's office, this afternoon).

Get well soon, Mrs. Bell.

Posted by: PDiddie at April 11, 2005 05:51 PM
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