***To simplify a complicated concept, the blood brain barrier is really just that, a barrier that keeps bad things in the blood away from the brain. (bad things = bacteria, viruses, toxic medicine, etc.) At the same time, the blood brain barrier keeps good things in the brain. (good things = neurotransmitters, hormones, etc.) It's tricky to get some good things, like medicine the body needs, into the brain. Sometimes diseases, like Batten, seem simple to remedy: there is one enzyme the body doesn't make... give the child that enzyme and all is well! But complexity begins with whether or not a scientist can readily reproduce the missing enzyme and continues with getting that enzyme into affected neural cells.
That's what is so amazing about this research from the Hawkeye state! They have successfully transmitted enzymes into brain cells in mice with lysosomal storage disorders. Can I get a
CEB, Iowa trip, March 2008 (borrowed paci. Obvi.)
Last month, two challenge grants were offered to BDSRA to help fight Infantile Batten disease, the form of Batten that Celia is affected by. Garrett's Wings and Hayden's Hope each committed matched funds, up to $25,000, for contributions to infantile Batten Disease research before February 1, 2010. These grant opportunities, coupled with donations, gives BDSRA a chance to raise $100,000 for vital research projects. And research, like what's being done in Iowa, may soon give children like Celia a chance at life.
BDSRA 166 Humphries Dr. Reynoldsburg OH 43068 or BDSRA.org
The only time we won't be rooting for the Hawkeyes will be on Saturday, November 20th 2010 at Kinnick Stadium. On that day, the Hawkeyes won't stand a chance... The other 364 days of the year, we love every thing about the Hawkeye state.
Andy
PS. The Buckeyes handed it to the Hawkeyes last night in roundball... Go Bucks!
6 comments:
WOW... EXCITING!!!
Please don't tell anyone but that news just made me do a little "how 'bout dem Hawkeyes" dance. My prayer is that, not to far down the road, one of Poppy John's Junior Rangers will benefit from this ongoing research.
L2A4 and the Iowa scientists
P.S.(Don't read this until 11/20/2010.) Is the state of Iowa getting closer to their Governor's goal of, "a tractor in every gravel driveway?" Just curious.
IO-WA
It IS very exciting research! Go Hawkeyes! And go Dr. Davidson!
We were so happy to read about this the other day. Thanks for explaining it so well and how contributions can help!
What an exciting discovery and opportunity! Truly one of my greatest prayers for 2010 was to have a cure for Batten discovered and the children that have it healed. It was a God-sized prayer but God is BIG!! May this indeed be the year and may sweet Celia be on of the first benificiaries.
Love and hugs and prayers,
Debi
That is FABULOUS news! I'm so excited I just jumped up and down cheering! Go IOWA! I'm with ya, on Nov 20th, no way, but every other day this year, I'm yelling GO IOWA!!!!!
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