On the heels of a major breakthrough involving stem-cell research and the nervous system, UW-Madison brought out the heavy hitters at the Waisman Center Tuesday-Gov. Jim Doyle, Chancellor John Wiley and, most notably, actor Michael J. Fox-in its ongoing crusade to highlight the importance and potential of the scientific discoveries occurring every day on this campus.
\The promise of this technology is simply phenomenal,"" Wiley said. ""It could potentially revolutionize medicine.""
Added Doyle, ""We have the possibility of curing illnesses that people never thought were curable before.""
The 43-year-old Fox, arguably most famous for his roles as Alex Keaton on the television show ""Family Ties"" and Marty McFly in the ""Back to the Future"" movies, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991. After revealing his affliction to the world in 1998, Fox has dedicated much of his life to finding a cure.
Fox's foundation has funded more than $50 million in Parkinson's research since its November 2000 launch, including four grants totaling more than $1.2 million at UW-Madison, according to Deborah Brooks of the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Following a tour of Waisman, Fox touted the building where much of the university's stem-cell research occurs as ""the gold standard"" of research facilities and praised the work being done at UW-Madison.
""It's an amazing collection of scientists and researchers,"" he said.
Doyle said his proposal to spend nearly $750 million on biotechnology would keep the best researchers in Wisconsin.
""Our challenge in Wisconsin is to make sure that we remain a vital center, a major center, of research, and there's no doubt in my mind that we will.""
As is common with many Parkinson's sufferers, Fox noticeably trembled, and he stuttered and slurred while speaking. But this does not deter him from continuing to lead a prominent role in the search for a cure.
""It's not a job I would have applied for,"" Fox said. ""But this is not about me, at the end of the day, being cured. It's not about that. It's about me personally having the opportunity of being a part of the process.""
For some, however, the process should only involve the use of adult stem cells and not embryonic stem cells, which are undifferentiated, fertilized embryos that are less than a week old. A small group of pro-life supporters gathered outside the Waisman Center Tuesday to pray, sing and protest the university's use of embryonic stem cells.
While Fox said he understands some people have ethical concerns, he encourages those opposed to the research to learn more.
""There is nothing Frankensteinian happening here-it's good science,"" he said. ""We should have faith in our scientists and let them do their work for the good of all of us.\
