Posted by Sue Huson on January 11, 1998 at 12:22:05:
In Reply to: LETTERS FOR D.C. XENO FORUM posted by Therese Bujold on January 11, 1998 at 10:27:26:
Here is the letter I have faxed to Therese for the forum. (Did you get it Therese?) I hope many others will let those who make decisions regarding our health know how we feel about xenotransplantation. I'm having trouble keeping up with all the postings here lately and realize I didn't respond when MAR and Martin asked if they could use ideas from my other letters. Of course! I only want this disease cured.
Letter to Xeno Forum:
To Whom It May Concern,
I am very interested to see that you are holding a meeting concerning xenotransplantation. The CBER web site states that it is hoped the meeting will serve as a forum for continued public comment in this research area. I would like to add my comments regarding the promising research area of xenotransplantation of islet cells.
All people involved in health care issues, such as yourselves, are well aware of the devastation and destruction diabetes causes to those of us who suffer from the disease, as well the heartbreak and trauma it causes our families. There is no need for me to give you the sad statistics associated with disease, because you know them well.
What has emerged as a shining light of hope for us, however, has been the promising research being done in islet cell encapsulation and transplantation. Many researchers have shown much success transplanting pig islets into animals, and are hopefully getting very close to beginning clinical trials. Part of the discussion at your meeting will be the risks of xenotransplantation. I have lived with diabetes for 30 years. Continuing to live with this disease appears to be a much greater risk than living with transplanted pig islets perfectly controlling my blood sugar levels. From an ethical stand point, no one found it disturbing that, for years, we injected animal insulin into our bodies, because, although it was not a cure, it added many years to our lives. Transplanted islets will succeed where injected insulin was not able to succeed, allowing us to live lives free from the life-shattering complications and the fluctuating sugar levels that so diminish our quality and length of life.
As you can see from my address, I am a Canadian. Canada is well known for the discovery of insulin by Dr. Banting and Dr. Best. It would be a proud moment in Canadian history if our scientists were to provide the next, greatly improved, step in diabetes treatment. However, my life, and that of millions of others, is too precious for me to be picky as to what country gets the glory associated with perfecting this wonderful procedure. Please keep your minds open as you discuss these matters. Lives can only be saved when new, innovative therapies are given the chance they deserve.
Sincerely,
Sue Huson