Every year, thousands of South Dakotans and millions of Americans receive devastating news from their doctors and are diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's -- the list goes on and on. Lifesaving cures and more effective treatments for these diseases are possible, but some politicians have stood in the way.

It is estimated that more than 100 million Americans suffer from diseases that eventually may be treated more effectively or even cured with stem cell therapy. Experts regard this as the greatest potential to alleviate human suffering since the advent of antibiotics.

Unfortunately, in 2000 the South Dakota legislature passed a law banning stem cell research AND treatments in our state. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, South Dakota is the only state in the U.S. to have a absolute ban on all embryonic stem cell research.

This situation prompted the formation of South Dakotans for Lifesaving Cures, a citizen coalition organized to repeal the state's ban on stem cell research and treatment. The following individuals currently serve as the organization's co-chairs:

- Dave Volk, cancer survivor and former Republican State Treasurer, Sioux Falls
- State Sen. Nancy Turbak-Berry, attorney, Watertown
- Carol Rosenthal, businesswoman and former Upper Midwest Regional President for Hadassah, Sioux Falls
- Dr. Angela Anderson, MD, Pediatrician, Spearfish
- Leo Hallan, Regional Outreach Coordinator-- Unite 2 Fight Paralysis, Yankton
- Fr. Liam Muller, Rector at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Mitchell
- Laura Muir, Patient Advocate -- Juvenile Diabetes, Sioux Falls

On December 17th, 2009, South Dakotans for Lifesaving Cures announced an effort to repeal the ban during the 2010 Legislative Session. In advance of the session, we will work to educate legislators and organize supporters around the state into action. This campaign is about the millions of people who are affected by diseases who look to stem cell research and its possibilities. We will tell their stories and demonstrate how stem cell research conducted in accordance with appropriate ethical guidelines will bring hope to the countless South Dakotans suffering from chronic diseases.

Successfully repealing the ban will not be easy. We need everyone who supports lifesaving cures to come together and help by contacting your legislator, making a financial contribution, writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper and signing up to volunteer.