The Citizen, 2004-06-10, Page 6
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PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2004.
Beyond
Limitations
Letter to the editor
Committee extends invitation
These past few weeks have been
exciting - the medical research field
has moved forward by leaps and
bounds, proving that cures for many
diseases are on the horizon.
Many diseases have been
"decoded" in the human body -
science can now pinpoint exactly
where the mutations are located.
From extensive studies of these
mutations, they are recreated and
injected into mice so treatments can
be developed. A mouse has a similar
genetic base to a human, along with
the ability to reproduce quickly, and
with abundance. These are why mice
are often used as guinea pigs.
Studies have revealed that
turmeric may turn out to be the spice
of life - literally, for people suffering
from cystic fibrosis. American and
Canadian researchers have found
that they were able to resolve the
symptoms of the debilitating disease
in mice by dosing them with
curcumin, a compound that
gives turmeric its brilliant yellow
colour.
Cystic fibrosis sufferers eventually
lose their ability to absorb nutrients,
and their lungs become clogged. Life
expectancy is usually until the mid-
30s: however, it was also found that
these dosed mice lived just as long as
a healthy mouse. Although this
research is just beginning, the results
are very encouraging. Human trials
may begin in the late summer.
The news has been swarming with
the latest research findings for a
variety of conditions.
Many diseases connect in some
way to other diseases - a leap in the
treatment of one disease usually has
a positive impact on another. For
example, researchers have found that
a group of chemicals already being
used as an anti-cancer drug can
stimulate regeneration of adult
skeletal muscle cells.
It can be frustrating to be in a
situation where you need to put all
your faith in lab rats. Mice and
humans are different. However, a
mouse and a human have the same
physical biology and use the same
necessities to live on this earth.
Research takes time, and studies
need to be fully examined before
humans can be involved. Science
must ensure that treatments will not
have any ill effects: present and
future.
Researchers are making exciting
breakthroughs in treating my
disorder. I had believed it was too
late for me, but as I read of the
wonderful advances that are made
each and every day, the glimmer of
hope is restored. Friedreich's Ataxia
has caused many complications in
my body, yet if they find a treatment,
even if it only lessens one
complication. I will be happy. It is
my wish to see someone benefit
from a cure.
THE EDITOR,
The big Wingham Homecoming
weekend is getting closer. As part of
those celebrations the school reunion
committee has been working hard to
arrange an event not to be missed.
We hope you will set aside some
time to take part in the Wingham
High School reunion to be held on
Friday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
at F.E. Madill Secondary School
We have had some inquiries as to
why the school reunion is being held
on Friday, July 2. The reason is to
avoid conflicting with the many
Homecoming events already
planned for Saturday, including the
parade.
In addition to having an
opportunity to see all your high
school friends, there will also be a
luncheon at the school. Sandwiches
and sweets will be available for
purchase in the cafeteria between
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. How many
years has it been since you had lunch
with your friends in the cafeteria?
People have asked how to
. maximize their chances of seeing old
'friends and classmates. Therefore we
have a suggestion. People who
attended the high school between
1930 and 1965 could plan to do their
visiting with fellow students from 10
a.m. to 1 p.m., while those who
attended school between 1966 and
the present could plan to meet up
with classmates between 2 p.m. and
5 p.m.
The Meet the Teachers for all
students and staff is scheduled from
I p.m. to 2 p.m., so everyone will
want to be on hand for that.
Please note that the above is
merely a suggestion; you are
welcome to come at any time and
stay all day. A room will be available
all day for principals, teachers,
office, custodial and all other
support staff in which to meet and
visit.
Remember that the reunion is open
to everyone. Even if you didn't
attend high school in Wingham, the
reunion is a good opportunity to
meet up with old friends. As well, a
hOt air balloon on the football field
will be providing free tethered rides,
weather permitting.
Parking is available in the lot
behind the school and the catholic
church parking lot on Carling
Terrace.
We look forward to seeing you on
Friday, July 2.
Homecoming Committee.
Hats off!
THE EDITOR,
Hats off to Lori Vader and Jennie
Schimanski for organizing the
Family Fun Fair at Brussels Public
School last Thursday night. From the
crowd and the comments, a great
time was had by all who attended. To
all who helped make this event
possible, your hard work did not go
unnoticed.
From BPS families.
The meaning of a cure
Bird's eye view
Tyler VanderMeer moves in for a closer look at a lifelike bird
on display at the local artists exhibit which opened at the
Bainton Gallery on Friday night. (Vicky Bremner photo)
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