A little known fact: I used to be really conservative- pro-life and all. That all changed when I had to do a report from the reciprocal viewpoint and well, totally reversed my position. I became hardcore liberal and spent the majority of high school defending that vision (which was pretty much a daily battle!). However, at closer inspection of the whole political scene I became disheartened by party lines. I understand why they exist-partly because of money but really for simplificiation purposes. It is much easier to claim a party than a viewpoint.
As a result, my thoughts shifted and became only issue based. There are two issues that are extremely important to me. The first is women's equality (obviously) which just parallels my feelings on meritocracy (still not sure why there is still a wage gap or any of that other nonesense). The second issue is something that I will never ever understand a varying opinion on and that is stem cell reserach.
The reason is highly personal- I have been a type one diabetic for 19 years. I indubitably believe that my cure will be a result of stem cell research. Douglas Melton and his team at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute are leading this battle which I follow intently. Clinicals for stem cell and other pancreatic cell therapies are getting closer to full human trials.
I cannot express what a cure would mean to me. Or to describe the weight that would be lifted to not spend every moment, on some level, thinking about my blood sugars or injections. I am lucky to have a 'tamer' disease and to be a professional at it-but its called chronic for a reason. Every day we get closer and that is what keeps me hoping.
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