This State budget will let these kids die at a ripe young age. Help keep hope alive.

This State budget will let these kids die at a ripe young age. Help keep hope alive.

While the news media and scientists throughout the world hail the recent ground-breaking discovery of the genetic mutation responsible for progeria — a tragic illness that causes rapid aging and early death in children

— New York State’s Executive Budget proposal gives the research facility responsible for this important breakthrough just two more months to live.

The New York State Institute for Basic Research (IBR) on Staten Island has been the home for genetic research for more than 20 years. Dr. W. Ted Brown, co-author of the study on Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome which appeared in the journal Nature, spearheaded the research for this devastating illness.

If IBR closes as scheduled in late June, this research and the future benefits of ongoing research will be lost along with research into genetic and environmental causes, prevention and treatment for birth defects, Alzheimer’s disease, and neuro-degenerative disorders in infants and children.

It is short sighted and wasteful to let this exceptional and irreplaceable scientific resource disappear.

PEF is working with concerned members of the state Legislature in calling for restoration of funding for IBR — a facility within the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Development Disabilities.

You can help keep hope alive and give these children a fighting chance by calling your lawmakers today.

Legislative Gazette April 28, 2003 - Download PDF print ad

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