News and Opinions

Post Prop 14 Victory, Bernard Siegel speaks with Don Reed, Grandfather of Stem Cell Patient Advocacy

Dec 22, 2020 | News & Opinions, Portraits of Hope, Video, Video Chats

Regenerative Medicine Foundation’s Bernie Siegel and longtime patient advocate Don Reed reflect on the triumphs and behind-the-scenes challenges of promoting stem cell legislation over the past seventeen years. Both Don and Bernie offer insights on the motivation and accomplishments of Bob Klein, founder and chair of Americans for Cures (Californians for Stem Cell Research, Treatments and Cures) and the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

Time Stamps:
0:06 Bernie Siegel welcomes and introduces Don Reed
1:21 Tragedy and triumph – Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act
2:35 Grassroots origins of California Prop 71
4:50 Don’s involvement with the CIRM oversight board
6:38 Strength of patient advocates in evolving CIRM
7:42 Emergence of Prop 14
9:09 Highlights of Don’s visit to the White House
11:13 Bob Klein – “The champion to those who have no champion”
13:28 Don’s published works on the stem cell battles
15:29 Final anecdote – “The man Bob Klein is”