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New York Biotechnology Association, Inc. Release: Patient Advocate And Speaker To Deliver Keynote Address At 2005 Annual Meeting

Published: Mar 07, 2005

NEW YORK, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Biotechnology Association, Inc. (NYBA) announced today that respected patient advocate and supporter of stem cell research Daniel Heumann would deliver one of the keynote addresses at NYBA's 2005 Annual Meeting. Mr. Heumann will speak on Monday, March 28, 2005, 12:00 - 1:30PM at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

NYBA's annual two-day meeting brings together business leaders in the biotechnology community, world-class scholars, physicians, scientists, and policy makers to examine and discuss issues vital to the business, policy and economic development of the biotechnology and life sciences industries in New York State. The keynote program on March 28, 'Stem Cell Research: A Patient- Advocate's Perspective' will present Mr. Heumann's unique perspective on this promising research, along with his views on the importance of a strong partnership between the biotechnology industry and the patient community it ultimately serves.

"We are very excited to have such a well respected member of the patient advocate community joining us," commented NYBA executive director Karin Duncker. "Danny is an extremely motivating and compelling speaker. His passion for the industry and for creating strong alliances between biotech and the patient community make him an excellent addition to our annual meeting program, and we are looking forward to having him share his views."

"It's a great honor to be one of the keynote speakers for this important conference," stated Mr. Heumann. "This opportunity allows me to bring an important message to the leaders of the biotechnology industry. The biotechnology and patient communities need to work in partnership to forward the discovery and commercialization of vital treatments and cures. If we do, I know fathers like me will one day get out of our wheelchairs and do the physical activities with our children that able-bodied fathers take for granted."

Daniel Heumann is the Vice President of the Daniel Heumann Fund for Spinal Cord Research, a non-profit dedicated to helping medical science find a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. The Daniel Heumann Fund was founded in 1986 and has raised over 4 million dollars for research centers all over the world. Daniel recently spoke at the United Nations Scientific Conference on Stem Cell Research and appeared on CNN NewsNight with Aaron Brown.

Daniel was paralyzed in a car accident two weeks before he was to start his freshman year at Syracuse University. Since his accident, Daniel received his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University's famed Newhouse School of Communications. He also received a law degree from American University in 1998. Daniel is an advocate in both the private and public sector in raising awareness and money on behalf of the 50 million Americans who suffer from neurological disorders. Daniel lobbies at both state and federal levels for funding to help this segment of the population.

Daniel is also the founder of Heumannly Capable, Inc., a motivational speaking business. He brings his message of living a fulfilling life despite adversity to corporate groups, universities and conference audiences.

ABOUT NYBA

NYBA is the primary advocate for the industry in New York State and is its main representative to policy makers, the media and the communities in which we work. Our mission is to build and enhance the reputation of NYS as a great place for the biotech industry. NYBA's membership comprises over 250 bioscience companies, world-class research institutions and related professional services. Under banner of The Cures Start Here(R), our goal is to amplify the success the State has had and continues to have in discovering major medical advances and growing a vibrant biotech industry. For more information on NYBA programs and initiatives, visit our website at http://www.nyba.org/.

New York Biotechnology Association, Inc.

CONTACT: Karin Duncker of New York Biotechnology Association, Inc.,+1-212-332-4395 or kduncker@nyba.org

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