Brooke Ellison, a quadriplegic from Stony Brook whose academic success at Harvard University was documented in a book and a TV film and who ran unsuccessfully for State Senate last year, was tapped today to join the Empire State Stem Cell Board.
Ellison, a Democrat, was nominated for the board by Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith (D-Queens). The board will allocate $600 million over 10 years to support stem-cell research.
"I can think of no one better qualified than Brooke Ellison to serve on the Empire State Stem Cell Board," Smith said. "Stem cell research, and its potential for treating serious medical conditions, has been the core of Ms. Ellison's recent life work as a motivational speaker, author, public policy advocate and political candidate."
James T. Madore
Ellison said: "It is such an honor to be appointed by Senator Smith to serve on the Empire State Stem Cell Board, and to join my fellow board members in advancing a cause I so strongly believe in. Through the Stem Cell Board, and under the guidance of Governor Spitzer and Lieutenant Governor Paterson, New York is helping to forge a necessary path towards scientific and medical breakthroughs that can change the way we understand some of the most enigmatic conditions. Just as importantly, though, the work provided under this Board is the manifestation of hope for millions of New Yorkers, and I am proud to be a part of it."
The 26-member board is divided into two committees. Ellison will serve on the ethics committee, which will make recommendations to the finance committee on scientific, medical and ethical issues surrounding the research projects seeking funding.
Comments (6)
Seems like a nice reward for a sacraficial lamb...
Sacrificial lamb? Are you kidding?! Brooke Ellison gave Senator Flanagan a real run for the money during her hard-fought campaign. For a political novice, Brooke sure made Flanagan work hard and forced him to spend an unprecedented amount of money to retain his seat.
Politics aside, Brooke is extremely bright, hardworking, passionate and dedicated. I can think of nobody more qualified to serve on the Empire State Stem Cell Board. Way to go, Brooke!
You run and win, you get a job. You run and lose, you get a job. We all should run for office.
Brooke Ellison is a great choice. I look forward to hearing of this and other accomplishments of hers in the future.
I don't remember Brooke getting her PhD in molecular or cellular biology..... does anyone else??
Congratulations to Ms. Ellison on her appointment to the Empire Stem Cell Board.
Brooke is an intelligent, hard working individual who knows first hand how important it is that we support stem cell research in this country. She understands the hope that stem cell research offers for families of individuals who suffer from disabling injuries or disorders and knows first hand the pain caused by refusing to allow stem cell research to move forward in this nation.
Go, Brooke!