Busy Luke still fires stem cell research

Sept. 4, 2012, 4:07 a.m.

Bomaderry toddler Luke Alderton was the face of the political debate over stem cell research.

The two-year-old, who could not walk due to a rare spinal condition, featured on the Mercury's front page 10 years ago with NSW Premier Bob Carr sitting on his front lawn.

The pair met at Shoalhaven Hospital and the youngster's plight inspired Mr Carr as he lobbied the federal government to embrace medicine's next frontier - the use of human cells, including some from embryos, to regrow damaged tissue.

Luke's case was presented to urge politicians to pass laws allowing research on excess IVF embryonic stem cells.

It worked.

Legislation put forward by then prime minister John Howard, in line with an agreement with the states and territories, to enact uniform stem cell laws got the green light.

Today there is still no cure for Luke's condition but he is making the most of the cards he has been dealt.

The Mercury caught up with his dad Steve last week to check on Luke's progress. "While his future will always involve hospitals and medical support, overall its very bright," Steve Alderton said from New Zealand, the family's home since 1994.

"Life is busy, with time in hospitals and operations, but Luke is thriving," he said.

View post:
Busy Luke still fires stem cell research