Stepnow NewsStepnow news releasesNetdochttp://www.invanet.org/rss/Stand behind Step Now Ridehttp://www.invanet.org/stepnow_news/stand_behind_step_now_ride.html<p>As I mentioned in my last post, I had been invited by Hilary Lewis to ride in the Toer de Kaap in South Africa on February 16th. I didn't manage to find the right sponsors this year, but that was my own fault because I left things on the late side and I know that sponsors need plenty of notice. I haven't given up hope though because I am still trying to organise the Step Now Ride for later this year.</p><p><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/pics/stepnowride.jpg"><img align="left" src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/stepnowride_t.jpg" alt="Step Now Ride" id="ndthumb15" style="margin: 5px" /></a>The <a href="http://www.stepnow.org">Step Now Ride</a> will need<b> </b>the input of<b> sponsors who are seeking high profile exposure and advertising potential</b>, so heads up sponsors,<b> here's your chance to get a piece of the action</b>.</p><p><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Jim and Matt.jpg"><img align="left" style="margin: 5px" id="ndthumb16" alt="Jim and Matt" src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Jim%20and%20Matt_t.jpg" /></a>This year I have various training rides planned and all of these will hopefully be in preperation for the major ride of the year, the Step Now Ride. The Step Now Ride will start in Amsterdam and End in Zagreb and I will be riding with my son Jim, we want it to go down in the history books as the A-Z of Spinal Research Rides and we will gladly fly the flag for Step Now! </p><p>Next time I post, I hope to have a PDF document for you to read. The document is a piece that explains further about what Step Now stand for and where Step Now are going in the future. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>As I mentioned in my last post, I had been invited by Hilary Lewis to ride in the Toer de Kaap in South Africa on February 16th. I didn't manage to find the right sponsors this year, but that was my own fault because I left things on the late side and I know that sponsors need plenty of notice. I haven't given up hope though because I am still trying to organise the Step Now Ride for later this year.

Step Now RideThe Step Now Ride will need the input of sponsors who are seeking high profile exposure and advertising potential, so heads up sponsors, here's your chance to get a piece of the action.

Jim and MattThis year I have various training rides planned and all of these will hopefully be in preperation for the major ride of the year, the Step Now Ride. The Step Now Ride will start in Amsterdam and End in Zagreb and I will be riding with my son Jim, we want it to go down in the history books as the A-Z of Spinal Research Rides and we will gladly fly the flag for Step Now!

Next time I post, I hope to have a PDF document for you to read. The document is a piece that explains further about what Step Now stand for and where Step Now are going in the future.


]]>Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:17:00 -050044fdaf37fe5d947f10ab852a6009e1d0Stepnow newsFrom Youtube to South Africa on a handbikehttp://www.invanet.org/stepnow_news/Youtube to South Africa.html<p>On the 29th of September last year I received an email from Youtube telling me that someone had left a message for me after watching one of my <a title="You Tube video link" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eeibw0T9bg">Youtube videos</a>, I was interested to find out who had left the message and what they had to say so off I went to Youtube where I found this short message:</p><br /><blockquote> Hi,<br />Invitation to join us in South Africa February 16th to 21st 2008 for a handcycle race and tour. Further details on http://www.ghrc.co.za<br />Regards,<br />Hilary Lewis<br />hilaryl@ghrc.co.za </blockquote><br /> <p>An invitation to ride in South Africa. Wow! What an amazing thought, I had to find out more. I pasted the link into my browser and arrived at the <a href="http://www.ghrc.co.za" title="Gauteng Handcycling Club">Gauteng Handcycle Racing Club's website</a>, after a quick scan of the page and a couple of clicks I was at the <a href="http://www.ghrc.co.za/TdK08.html" title="Toer de Kaap">Toer de Kaap</a> webpage. It sounded and looked amazing, just the sort of challenge I would like to be a part of, so I wrote a short email explaining that I would love to take part but would have to see whether I could manage to get there or not. </p> <p>Below is the letter of invitation I received to take part in the toer.</p><table cellpadding="10" border="1"><tbody><tr><td> <p> </p> <p><img width="228" height="129" src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/toerDeKaap2008.jpeg" alt="Toer de Kaap 2008" /> <b><u>Toer de Kaap 2008</u></b> <br /> </p> <p>LETTER OF INVITATION: Matt Cole <br /></p> <p>Dear Matt, <br /> </p> <p align="justify">We are launching the toughest, longest international handcycle tour in the entire world in South Africa in February 2008 and I would like you to seriously consider participating. We have good daily distances, some nice challenging mountain passes (by South African standards) and a really great finish &ndash; down the legendary Outeniqua Pass back into George. This 6 day tour starts on Saturday 16<sup>th</sup> Feb with a 42km race known as the OCC, and ends Thursday 21<sup>st</sup> Feb 2008, covering 499km in total. The OCC is in its 5<sup>th</sup> year of running - see their website for details: <a href="http://georgeocc.co.za/" target="_blank">http://georgeocc.co.za</a> and to register to participate. <br /> </p> <p align="justify">We will have vehicles to carry our luggage and wheelchairs from one town to the next and a sweep vehicle you can call if you can&rsquo;t finish the ride for one or another reason. Space is limited to 10 wheelchair users, as there is limited accessible accommodation in some of the towns we stay in. Some of these towns are so small they have never even seen or heard of a handcycle! &nbsp;<br /></p> <p align="justify">If you are interested, please go to <a href="http://www.ghrc.co.za/TdK08.html" target="_blank">http://www.ghrc.co.za/TdK08.html</a>&nbsp; download the e-brochure and either email your interest or fill in the autoresponder form. The first 10 people to pay deposits will be on the tour. The entry fee for overseas riders is EU425.00 (US$530.00) and includes entry fee for the OCC race, accommodation and 2 meals a day for the duration of the tour and full support and backup. <br /></p> <p align="justify">This is a great opportunity for northern hemisphere riders to get some early season training in without suffering in the cold &ndash; come enjoy our great weather and roads. The area we will ride in is a safe rural area with very little if any crime and no violence. I have just been down to recce the route and most of these towns are so safe the people leave their car keys in the cars and unlocked at all times! Our overnight stops are also safe &ndash; so you have no worries about personal safety &ndash; this is your chance to be a part of history in the making! <i>Be sure to there!</i> This tour is going to become a permanent fixture in the World Handcycling calendar and we will aim to maintain the longest, toughest image at all costs! After all, Africa is not for sissies &ndash; once you have done the Toer de Kaap, you will understand this statement more fully! <br /></p> <p><b>Hilary Lewis</b></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.ghrc.co.za/" target="_blank"><u>http://www.ghrc.co.za</u></a> Webmaster</p> <p>Original Vagabond WebMarketing &copy; 2007</p> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p> </p> <p>After having read the letter of invitation I was really excited. The thought of taking part in the longest most gruelling handbike toer in the world made my heart race overtime. </p> <p>The question was and still is, how am I going to get there? I have applied for a grant from the <a href="http://www.challengedathletes.org/" title="CAF">Challenged Athletes Foundation</a> and asked whether they can assist in covering some of the travel costs but the grants aren't issued untill April so that leaves me with one choice, and that's where you come in, I am looking for individuals and sponsors who are willing to help me, directly or indirectly, raise the funds to get me to South Africa so I can ride. </p><p>I will be alerting the media and the National Federation for Sport this week to the fact that I am on a fundraising mission and on the look out for sponsors and I will also be updating the website on a regular basis as we approach the starting date.</p><p><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/pics/EnteringOudtshoorn-web.JPG"><img src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/EnteringOudtshoorn-web_t.JPG" alt="Entering Oudtshoorn" id="ndthumb10" style="margin: 2px" /></a><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Karoo-road-1-web.JPG"><img src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Karoo-road-1-web_t.JPG" alt="Karoo Road" id="ndthumb11" style="margin: 2px" /></a><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Road2Stilbaai-2-web.JPG"><img src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Road2Stilbaai-2-web_t.JPG" alt="Road to Stilbaai" id="ndthumb12" style="margin: 2px" /></a><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/pics/RightOnBeach1.JPG"><img src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/RightOnBeach1_t.JPG" alt="Right on the beach" id="ndthumb13" style="margin: 2px" /></a><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Ladismith.JPG"><img src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/Ladismith_t.JPG" alt="Ladismith" id="ndthumb14" style="margin: 2px" /></a> </p><p>If you feel that you can assist me in any way, shape, or form, please contact me as soon as you can. My <a title="Contat page" href="http://www.invanet.org/invanet_contact_details/">telephone number and contact details </a>can be found on the contact page.</p><p>Thanks,<br />Matt </p> <p> </p> On the 29th of September last year I received an email from Youtube telling me that someone had left a message for me after watching one of my Youtube videos, I was interested to find out who had left the message and what they had to say so off I went to Youtube where I found this short message:


Hi,
Invitation to join us in South Africa February 16th to 21st 2008 for a handcycle race and tour. Further details on http://www.ghrc.co.za
Regards,
Hilary Lewis
hilaryl@ghrc.co.za

An invitation to ride in South Africa. Wow! What an amazing thought, I had to find out more. I pasted the link into my browser and arrived at the Gauteng Handcycle Racing Club's website, after a quick scan of the page and a couple of clicks I was at the Toer de Kaap webpage. It sounded and looked amazing, just the sort of challenge I would like to be a part of, so I wrote a short email explaining that I would love to take part but would have to see whether I could manage to get there or not.

Below is the letter of invitation I received to take part in the toer.

Toer de Kaap 2008 Toer de Kaap 2008

LETTER OF INVITATION: Matt Cole

Dear Matt,

We are launching the toughest, longest international handcycle tour in the entire world in South Africa in February 2008 and I would like you to seriously consider participating. We have good daily distances, some nice challenging mountain passes (by South African standards) and a really great finish – down the legendary Outeniqua Pass back into George. This 6 day tour starts on Saturday 16th Feb with a 42km race known as the OCC, and ends Thursday 21st Feb 2008, covering 499km in total. The OCC is in its 5th year of running - see their website for details: http://georgeocc.co.za and to register to participate.

We will have vehicles to carry our luggage and wheelchairs from one town to the next and a sweep vehicle you can call if you can’t finish the ride for one or another reason. Space is limited to 10 wheelchair users, as there is limited accessible accommodation in some of the towns we stay in. Some of these towns are so small they have never even seen or heard of a handcycle!  

If you are interested, please go to http://www.ghrc.co.za/TdK08.html  download the e-brochure and either email your interest or fill in the autoresponder form. The first 10 people to pay deposits will be on the tour. The entry fee for overseas riders is EU425.00 (US$530.00) and includes entry fee for the OCC race, accommodation and 2 meals a day for the duration of the tour and full support and backup.

This is a great opportunity for northern hemisphere riders to get some early season training in without suffering in the cold – come enjoy our great weather and roads. The area we will ride in is a safe rural area with very little if any crime and no violence. I have just been down to recce the route and most of these towns are so safe the people leave their car keys in the cars and unlocked at all times! Our overnight stops are also safe – so you have no worries about personal safety – this is your chance to be a part of history in the making! Be sure to there! This tour is going to become a permanent fixture in the World Handcycling calendar and we will aim to maintain the longest, toughest image at all costs! After all, Africa is not for sissies – once you have done the Toer de Kaap, you will understand this statement more fully!

Hilary Lewis

http://www.ghrc.co.za Webmaster

Original Vagabond WebMarketing © 2007

After having read the letter of invitation I was really excited. The thought of taking part in the longest most gruelling handbike toer in the world made my heart race overtime.

The question was and still is, how am I going to get there? I have applied for a grant from the Challenged Athletes Foundation and asked whether they can assist in covering some of the travel costs but the grants aren't issued untill April so that leaves me with one choice, and that's where you come in, I am looking for individuals and sponsors who are willing to help me, directly or indirectly, raise the funds to get me to South Africa so I can ride.

I will be alerting the media and the National Federation for Sport this week to the fact that I am on a fundraising mission and on the look out for sponsors and I will also be updating the website on a regular basis as we approach the starting date.

Entering OudtshoornKaroo RoadRoad to StilbaaiRight on the beachLadismith

If you feel that you can assist me in any way, shape, or form, please contact me as soon as you can. My telephone number and contact details can be found on the contact page.

Thanks,
Matt


]]>Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -05007c44b25a04a0c3aabcb72a32b8e3977fStepnow newsStepnow - The Moviehttp://www.invanet.org/stepnow_news/stepnow_the_movie.html<p>Short movies from Stepnow, pictures speak louder than words... </p> <object width="378" height="340" id="showplayer" allowfullscreen="true" data="http://blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplayer.swf?autostart=false&amp;brandname=Stepnow&amp;brandlink=http%3A//www.stepnow.org&amp;fullscreenpage=http%3A//blip.tv/fullscreen.html&amp;fsreturnpage=http%3A//blip.tv/exitfullscreen.html&amp;showplayerpath=http%3A//blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplayer.swf&amp;file=http%3A//stepnow.blip.tv/rss/flash%3Fsort%3D%257Edate%26nsfw%3Ddc&amp;user=Spinalman&amp;showguidebutton=true&amp;showsharebutton=true&amp;showfsbutton=true&amp;lightcolor=0x557722&amp;backcolor=0x00000&amp;frontcolor=0xCCCCCC&amp;tabType2=guide&amp;tabTitle2=Stepnow%20episodes&amp;tabUrl2=http%3A//stepnow.blip.tv/rss&amp;tabType3=guide&amp;tabTitle3=blip.tv%20hot%20episodes&amp;tabUrl3=http%3A//blip.tv/rss/%3Ffriends_of%3Dhotepisodes" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param value="http://blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplayer.swf?autostart=false&amp;brandname=Stepnow&amp;brandlink=http%3A//www.stepnow.org&amp;fullscreenpage=http%3A//blip.tv/fullscreen.html&amp;fsreturnpage=http%3A//blip.tv/exitfullscreen.html&amp;showplayerpath=http%3A//blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplayer.swf&amp;file=http%3A//stepnow.blip.tv/rss/flash%3Fsort%3D%257Edate%26nsfw%3Ddc&amp;user=Spinalman&amp;showguidebutton=true&amp;showsharebutton=true&amp;showfsbutton=true&amp;lightcolor=0x557722&amp;backcolor=0x00000&amp;frontcolor=0xCCCCCC&amp;tabType2=guide&amp;tabTitle2=Stepnow%20episodes&amp;tabUrl2=http%3A//stepnow.blip.tv/rss&amp;tabType3=guide&amp;tabTitle3=blip.tv%20hot%20episodes&amp;tabUrl3=http%3A//blip.tv/rss/%3Ffriends_of%3Dhotepisodes" name="movie" /><param value="best" name="quality" /><param value="always" name="allowScriptAccess" /></object>Short movies from Stepnow, pictures speak louder than words...


]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2007 11:02:00 -0400b099b88ce735e1acd5b49473bb8a4e66Stepnow newsStelling van Christine Mummeryhttp://www.invanet.org/stepnow_news/stelling_van_christine_mummery.html<p>De Stelling van Christine Mummery: kabinet moet verbod op maken van embryo's opheffen. <a title="De Stelling van Christine Mummery" href="http://www.invanet.org/files/NRC-20070217-02019001.pdf">(Download de Artikel als een PDF)</a></p> <div align="center">Klik op de foto voor een grotere afbeelding<br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.invanet.org/files/NRC-20070217-02019001.jpg" title="De Stelling van Christine Mummery" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px" alt="De Stelling van Christine Mummery" src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/NRC-Christine-Mummery.jpg" /></a> <br /></p>De Stelling van Christine Mummery: kabinet moet verbod op maken van embryo's opheffen. (Download de Artikel als een PDF)

Klik op de foto voor een grotere afbeelding

De Stelling van Christine Mummery


]]>Mon, 19 Feb 2007 13:47:11 -05000ac0a357465b50f9473415a8ee8fabceStepnow newsPetitie van Stepnow aan de Commissie voor Volksgezondheid (VWS)http://www.invanet.org/stepnow_news/stepnow_petitie.html<p>13 februari 2007</p> <p>Download de <a href="http://www.invanet.org/files/Stepnow%20-%20Februari%202007%20Brief%20en%20Brochure.pdf">Stepnow - Februari 2007 Brief en Brochure.pdf</a></p> <p><sub>Foto's: Ruud Holverda</sub></p><table cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" border="0"><tbody><tr><td> <a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3198a.jpg"><img alt="Ontvangen door de Commissie van Volksgezondheid" id="ndthumb1" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3198a_t.jpg" /></a></td><td>Corinne Jeanmaire en Hans van Mourik worden ontvangen door de Commissie van Volksgezondheid (VWS)&nbsp; <br /></td></tr><tr><td> <a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3199a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb2" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="Corinne spreekt de commissie toe" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3199a_t.jpg" /></a></td><td> Corinne spreekt de commissie toe</td></tr><tr><td> <a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3200a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb3" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="De Commissieleden" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3200a_t.jpg" /></a></td><td>De commissieleden (vlnr.)<br /><sup>&raquo;Lea (L.T.) Bouwmeester - PvdA<br />&raquo;Henk (H.P.J.) Van Gerven - SP<br />&raquo;Kathleen (K.G.) Ferrier - CDA<br />&raquo;Stef (S.A.) Blok - VVD - de voorzitter<br />&raquo;Fatma (F.) Koser Kaya - D66<br />&raquo;Chantal (C.D.M.) Gill'ard - PvdA</sup> </td></tr><tr><td> <a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3202a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb4" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="Dhr. Blok neemt de petitie in ontvangst" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3202a_t.jpg" /></a></td><td> Dhr. Blok neemt de petitie in ontvangst<br /></td></tr><tr><td> <a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3203a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb5" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="De brief en brochure van Stepnow" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3203a_t.jpg" /></a></td><td> De brief en brochure van <a href="http://www.stepnow.org">Stepnow</a></td></tr><tr><td> <a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3204a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb6" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="Dhr. Blok spreekt een dankwoord uit" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3204a_t.jpg" /></a></td><td> Dhr. Blok spreekt een dankwoord uit<br /></td></tr><tr><td> <a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3205a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb7" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="Alle commissieleden hebben een exemplaar" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3205a_t.jpg" /></a></td><td> Alle commissieleden hebben een exemplaar</td></tr><tr><td><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3206a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb8" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="Hans in gesprek met commissieleden" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3206a_t.jpg" /></a> </td><td>In gesprek met commissieleden<br /> </td></tr><tr><td><a class="highslide" target="_blank" onclick="return hs.expand(this)" href="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3208a.jpg"><img id="ndthumb9" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px" alt="Corinne en Hans voor het de Tweede Kamer" src="http://www.invanet.org/59/pics/100_3208a_t.jpg" /></a> </td><td>Corinne en Hans voor het gebouw van de Tweede Kamer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>13 februari 2007

Download de Stepnow - Februari 2007 Brief en Brochure.pdf

Foto's: Ruud Holverda

Ontvangen door de Commissie van VolksgezondheidCorinne Jeanmaire en Hans van Mourik worden ontvangen door de Commissie van Volksgezondheid (VWS) 
Corinne spreekt de commissie toe Corinne spreekt de commissie toe
De CommissieledenDe commissieleden (vlnr.)
»Lea (L.T.) Bouwmeester - PvdA
»Henk (H.P.J.) Van Gerven - SP
»Kathleen (K.G.) Ferrier - CDA
»Stef (S.A.) Blok - VVD - de voorzitter
»Fatma (F.) Koser Kaya - D66
»Chantal (C.D.M.) Gill'ard - PvdA
Dhr. Blok neemt de petitie in ontvangst Dhr. Blok neemt de petitie in ontvangst
De brief en brochure van Stepnow De brief en brochure van Stepnow
Dhr. Blok spreekt een dankwoord uit Dhr. Blok spreekt een dankwoord uit
Alle commissieleden hebben een exemplaar Alle commissieleden hebben een exemplaar
Hans in gesprek met commissieleden In gesprek met commissieleden
Corinne en Hans voor het de Tweede Kamer Corinne en Hans voor het gebouw van de Tweede Kamer

]]>Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:57:00 -050006c313713a0ec07d844ce6fa2192f9e5Stepnow newsDwarslaesiepatiënten vrezen verbod op stamcelonderzoekhttp://www.invanet.org/stepnow_news/dwarslaesiepatinten_vrezen_verbod_op_sta.html<p>Eindhovense tegen Kamerleden: &quot;<b>Genezing geen droom meer</b>.&quot;<br /><br /><br />door<b> Arnold Mandemaker DEN HAAG</b> - Een val, een duik, een botsing, Het kan genoeg zijn voor een leven in een rolstoel als de ruggengraat knapt. In Nederland kampen 10.000 mensen met een dwarslaesie. Een hoge, zoals die van <b>Hans van Mourik</b>, die hem niet alleen volledig verlamt, maar ook afhankelijk maakt van een zuurstofmachine. Of een lage, die <b>Corinne Jeanmaire</b> uit Eindhoven weliswaar in staat steltzelfstandig door het leven te gaan, maar dan wel door middel van een rolstoel. Samen boden ze gisteren de vaste Kamercommissie voor Volksgezondheid een petitie aan namens de zelfhulpgroep <a href="http://www.stepnow.org">stepnow.org</a>, een internationaal netwerk dat in veertig landen actief is. Ook elders in de wereld kregen parlementari&euml;rs gisteren dezelfde petitietoegestopt. Eerder werden regeringsleiders en leden van het europarlement al van informatie voorzien.</p><p> Want dwarslaesiepati&euml;nten maken zich wereldwijd grote zorgen. Over te kleine budgetten voor onderzoek en over de weerstand onder vooralchristelijke organisaties tegen het gebruik van embryonale stamcellen die in staat worden geacht geknapte zenuwbanen te genezen.</p><p>Omdat Hans van Mourik slecht uit zijn woorden komen, is het de geboren Fran&ccedil;aise Jeanmaire die het woord voert: &quot;twintig jaar geleden zeidenartsen nog tegen dwarslaesiepati&euml;nten dat ze nooit meer zouden genezen en dat ze blij moesten zijn dat ze nog leefden. Nu is het niet meer devraag of ooit een genezing wordt gevonden, maar wanneer&quot;, hield de Philipswerkneemster de Kamerleden voor. &quot;Wij willen niet ons verdereleven in een rolstoel zitten, terwijl genezing mogelijk is. Dat is geen droom, maar werkelijkheid.</p><p>&quot;Zij legde drie heldere verzoeken op tafel: geen wetgeving die wetenschappelijk onderzoek frustreert, afschaffing van devergunningplicht voor stamceltherapie die pati&euml;nten nu de grens overjaagt en tot riskante experimenten verleidt en een &quot;zinvolleinvestering&quot; in onderzoek. Jeanmaire nodigde namens stepnow.org de Kamerleden uit om later ditjaar deel te nemen aan een conferentie van wetenschappers, artsen en dwarslaesiepati&euml;nten om de laatste stand van zaken te bespreken rond dezoektocht naar een genezing van de gevolgen van die fatale val, duik of botsing. </p><p>Zelfhulpgroep <a href="http://www.stepnow.org">stepnow.org</a> bood gisteren een petitie aan bij de Kamercommissie voor Volksgezondheid. Ze willen meer kansen vooronderzoek naar stamceltherapie.<br /><br /><br /><i>Copyright (c)2007 Eindhovens Dagblad 14/02/2007</i><br /></p>Eindhovense tegen Kamerleden: "Genezing geen droom meer."


door Arnold Mandemaker DEN HAAG - Een val, een duik, een botsing, Het kan genoeg zijn voor een leven in een rolstoel als de ruggengraat knapt. In Nederland kampen 10.000 mensen met een dwarslaesie. Een hoge, zoals die van Hans van Mourik, die hem niet alleen volledig verlamt, maar ook afhankelijk maakt van een zuurstofmachine. Of een lage, die Corinne Jeanmaire uit Eindhoven weliswaar in staat steltzelfstandig door het leven te gaan, maar dan wel door middel van een rolstoel. Samen boden ze gisteren de vaste Kamercommissie voor Volksgezondheid een petitie aan namens de zelfhulpgroep stepnow.org, een internationaal netwerk dat in veertig landen actief is. Ook elders in de wereld kregen parlementariërs gisteren dezelfde petitietoegestopt. Eerder werden regeringsleiders en leden van het europarlement al van informatie voorzien.

Want dwarslaesiepatiënten maken zich wereldwijd grote zorgen. Over te kleine budgetten voor onderzoek en over de weerstand onder vooralchristelijke organisaties tegen het gebruik van embryonale stamcellen die in staat worden geacht geknapte zenuwbanen te genezen.

Omdat Hans van Mourik slecht uit zijn woorden komen, is het de geboren Française Jeanmaire die het woord voert: "twintig jaar geleden zeidenartsen nog tegen dwarslaesiepatiënten dat ze nooit meer zouden genezen en dat ze blij moesten zijn dat ze nog leefden. Nu is het niet meer devraag of ooit een genezing wordt gevonden, maar wanneer", hield de Philipswerkneemster de Kamerleden voor. "Wij willen niet ons verdereleven in een rolstoel zitten, terwijl genezing mogelijk is. Dat is geen droom, maar werkelijkheid.

"Zij legde drie heldere verzoeken op tafel: geen wetgeving die wetenschappelijk onderzoek frustreert, afschaffing van devergunningplicht voor stamceltherapie die patiënten nu de grens overjaagt en tot riskante experimenten verleidt en een "zinvolleinvestering" in onderzoek. Jeanmaire nodigde namens stepnow.org de Kamerleden uit om later ditjaar deel te nemen aan een conferentie van wetenschappers, artsen en dwarslaesiepatiënten om de laatste stand van zaken te bespreken rond dezoektocht naar een genezing van de gevolgen van die fatale val, duik of botsing.

Zelfhulpgroep stepnow.org bood gisteren een petitie aan bij de Kamercommissie voor Volksgezondheid. Ze willen meer kansen vooronderzoek naar stamceltherapie.


Copyright (c)2007 Eindhovens Dagblad 14/02/2007


]]>Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:48:00 -050027a0c217c879d7b926bedaa7c0cebd38Stepnow newsBe Part of SCI Solidarity Historyhttp://www.invanet.org/stepnow_news/be_part_of_sci_solidarity_history.html<p><img style="margin: 10px" alt="StepNow and become a part of SCI solidarity history" src="http://www.invanet.org/pics/stepnowlogosmall.jpg" align="right" />Sign up now to take part in a worldwide SCI action mailing on Wednesday October 4<sup>th 2006.</sup></p><p>The STEPNOW SCI network is initiating a global mailing in as many countries as possible to draw awareness to the need for Government to legislate and fund in favor of all stem cell research, in particular all such research aimed at a cure for paralysis.</p><p>The mailing will consist of a letter &amp; test-tube (to be supplied by Stepnow to all participants) to send to your head of government, health and science ministers &amp; legislators.</p><p>Our list of participants is growing steadily &ndash; already we have members from 18 countries &ndash; but we need and want to include many, many more if we are to make a meaningful impact. </p><p>Don&rsquo;t let this opportunity to be a part of SCI history pass you by &ndash; show your solidarity by signing up &ndash; simply send your name &amp; full address to <u></u> so that you can be added to the list as a participant. Regular updates will be posted on the forum of <u><a title="StepNow link" href="http://www.stepnow.org/">www.stepnow.org</a></u> , and if you wish to be more actively involved as a coordinator or perhaps a spokesperson in the preparation of the mailing, be sure to let us know.</p><p>THERE ARE TIMES WHEN SCI NEEDS A UNITED GLOBAL VOICE &ndash; WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4TH 2006 WILL BE ONE OF THEM.</p>StepNow and become a part of SCI solidarity historySign up now to take part in a worldwide SCI action mailing on Wednesday October 4th 2006.

The STEPNOW SCI network is initiating a global mailing in as many countries as possible to draw awareness to the need for Government to legislate and fund in favor of all stem cell research, in particular all such research aimed at a cure for paralysis.

The mailing will consist of a letter & test-tube (to be supplied by Stepnow to all participants) to send to your head of government, health and science ministers & legislators.

Our list of participants is growing steadily – already we have members from 18 countries – but we need and want to include many, many more if we are to make a meaningful impact.

Don’t let this opportunity to be a part of SCI history pass you by – show your solidarity by signing up – simply send your name & full address to so that you can be added to the list as a participant. Regular updates will be posted on the forum of www.stepnow.org , and if you wish to be more actively involved as a coordinator or perhaps a spokesperson in the preparation of the mailing, be sure to let us know.

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN SCI NEEDS A UNITED GLOBAL VOICE – WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4TH 2006 WILL BE ONE OF THEM.


]]>Fri, 25 Aug 2006 05:27:00 -0400c211a3bdf23cea69188d7735058d1ad0Stepnow news