Top Stem Cell Research Scientist to Speak in Miami Beach

Dr. Hans Keirstead to Receive a $25,000 Grant from the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research

MIAMI BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Saturday, June 6, Dr. Hans Keirstead, whose team developed the first FDA approved embryonic stem cell-derived treatment for spinal cord injuries, will present his latest findings at a cocktail reception. The host of the evening is the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research who will award their first ever grant in the amount of $25,000.

“It's an exciting time with the recent shift in policy and announcement of the first FDA approved human trial.”

WHERE: Palms Hotel & Spa, 3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33140

WHEN: Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

RSVP (required): The reception is open to the public and media. RSVP to [phone] or email [e-mail]

“My foundation is elated to support such promising work and eager to award Dr. Keirstead with a gift to further his research and ensure our commitment to this field" said Sabrina Cohen, who founded her nonprofit to raise awareness and funds for stem cell research. “It's an exciting time with the recent shift in policy and announcement of the first FDA approved human trial.”

Dr. Keirstead, Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Co-Director of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center at the UC Irvine Reeve-Irvine Research Center, will be the Keynote Speaker and Award Recipient of the night.

The event is being held to thank supporters and inspire others to join in Sabrina’s efforts. Up to 200 South Floridians, including local politicians and business owners, will attend the intimate affair at The Palms Hotel.

Nearly 1.6 million Americans are living with some form of paralysis that may benefit from stem cell research. Sabrina suffered her spinal cord injury in an automobile accident when she was 14 years old.

Based in Miami Beach, the Sabrina Cohen Foundation for Stem Cell Research, a 501c3 non-profit organization, was founded in 2006 by advocate and quadriplegic, Sabrina Cohen, who has been living with a spinal cord injury since 1992. The foundation is dedicated to becoming a leader in the fight against disease and recognized as an “Organization for Cures.”

Event sponsors: Miami Physical Therapy, Magno International, Great Florida Bank, 944 Magazine