Stem Cell Documentary Inspires and Encourages

Life is for the Living is a documentary about stem cell research that is full of encouragement and information for people with Parkinson's disease.

I saw this documentary in its entirety in Washington, D.C., while attending the annual Parkinson's Action Network Forum.

Michael Rubyan, a college student majoring in film, has been touched by Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. His great-grandmother and grandmother respectively had these conditions.

Rubyan met with his college peers who had formed a group in support of stem cell research. He heard Sean Morrison, director of the University of Michigan Center for Stem Cell Biology, and Kathleen Russell, a Congressional Coordinator for the Parkinson's Action Network, speak. He left the meeting realizing just how much people were misinformed about stem cell research.

At the age of 19, he began to film Life is for the Living. Traveling across the United States, Michael met people who could possibly be helped by this research. The documentary seeks to inform the public about the entire issue. It is not a vehicle to tell people what they should do or think.

This documentary is excellent. It is an honest, up-front, and heartfelt presentation of the facts about stem cells. This is not propaganda or an agenda-leaning documentary.

The hour-long documentary puts faces to diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes, and spinal cord injuries. People open up their lives to the public and tell their stories.

I was so touched and moved by this documentary that I could not find the appropriate words to express my thanks to Rubyan. I was unable  to adequately convey the feelings this documentary stirs in my heart and soul.

A trailer for Life is for the Living is available on the Internet. I urge everyone to access the Web site www.lifeisfortheliving.org and watch the trailer. The site also provides information about the film,it's makers, upcoming events, and contact information.