Do we hold the key to healing our own hearts? The answer may lie with stem cells – the focus of a treatment revolution.
Stem cells occur in many parts of the body. They can self-renew, and even make new tissue, such as heart muscle and blood vessels.
Funded by the Foundation, a team is studying how stem cells can repair and renew failing hearts.
‘The vision is that those suffering profound disability from heart disease will once again live life to the full.' – Stephen Hunyor, lead researcher
With your help, this vision could be a reality in 10 years.
Heart attack, stroke, heart failure, angina and other heart disease all damage and weaken the heart. Thousands of Australians suffer chronic disability as a result. Drugs help, but they cannot heal.
Using the body's first-aid kit
Our stem cells target damaged tissue. The aim is to boost this natural self-repair by putting more cells where they are needed – for instance, into the heart after a heart attack.
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Christine was diagnosed at 45 with cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease). There's no cure: she survives with a pacemaker and a cocktail of drugs, and their side effects.
Stem cell research is specially important to Christine because her daughter Lauren is also at risk. ‘Stem cells are not just a band aid – they can turn things around. Knowing Lauren wouldn't be affected as I have – that would be the best thing.'
Give hope to people like Christine: Donate now |
Stem cells: 'the best thing'
Pioneering research
The focus is on using stem cells from adult bone marrow. After coaxing the cells to replicate heart muscle cells, the researchers deliver them to the heart. Then they study the effects on heart function.
Why support us?
Continued donations are crucial to advance the team's amazing progress. Ten years is within the lifetime of many adults, and certainly of our children and grandchildren.
Help bring this remarkable treatment closer – for everyone.
