Scientists, Nobel Laureates convene in SA for World Stem Cell Summit

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Patients, their families also in attendance to remind scientists why their work matters

Posted YESTERDAY, 5:28 PM Updated YESTERDAY, 5:30 PM

SAN ANTONIO - Among the Nobel Laureates, scientists and fundraisers, some patients and their families are attending the 10th-Annual World Stem Cell Summit at the Marriott Rivercenter to remind the great minds what is at stake in their groundbreaking work.

Roman Reed is wheeling around as fast as he can in his old, scratched and dirty wheelchair. Paralyzed in 1994 in a football accident, he was instrumental in getting "Romans Law" passed, which paved the way for stem cell research for paralysis patients.

He said he is not buying another wheelchair because he feels he will not need it in the future.

"We will have a cure. I will walk again, and so shall 5.6 million Americans," he said.

Reed said even if you are not in a wheelchair and do not know anyone who is, you should still be concerned with the costs associated with people like himself, noting we spend $1.65 trillion a year in health care costs for paralyzed Americans.

He won the Inspiration Award at last years World Stem Cell Summit, and continues to hope that these gatherings of great minds will continue to bring about great things.

"You never know when three or four or five wonderful people come together what the outcome will be of these talks. We've had an amazing ripple effect. When we have the best minds together, anything is possible," he said.

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Scientists, Nobel Laureates convene in SA for World Stem Cell Summit