Local Rotary Clubs raise $22,000 for Medical Research.

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Graeme Blick proudly introduced Dr Swee Tan and thanked the Rotary Clubs of Eastern Hutt, Johnsonville, Karori, Petone, and Tawa for their contributions in raising $22,000 for the Institute to provide a scholarship for Erin Paterson to attend the Salk Institute in San Diego for six weeks. The research is about creating embryonic stem cells from mature cells. Scientists can create these cells so they are specific to a disease (DiPSCs). The technology means that the cells can be expanded and grown at will, so it can be a lot easier to study disease models and to run lab and human drug trials. Mitch and Swee Tan

District Governor Mitch Brown presented a cheque for $22,000 to Dr Swee Tan on behalf of the clubs. He said it is important to recognise what these people do for humanity and noted that New Zealand was one of the best places in the world to undertake research because of the reduced amount of bureaucracy compared to most other countries.

In reply, Dr Swee Tan said that the Institute “aspires to relieve human suffering” and that this will be closer to achievement because of our support. He also commented that Dr Tinte Itinteang – Chief Scientific Officer had given up a successful medical career to do full-time stem cell research.