No, not your seldom seen Uncle Frederick. A real pig. Later today when you raise that forkful of honey-glazed Christmas ham, think about raising your own pig for diabetes research.
You can sponsor the care and feeding of very special pigs being raised to cure type 1 diabetes. Dr. Bernhard Hering, Scientific Director of the Diabetes Institute for Immunology & Transplantation at the University of Minnesota, and his team, recently documented a medical milestone. They found pig islet cells transplanted in monkeys reversed diabetes. Now a group of venture philanthropists called The Spring Point Project (SPP) are collaborating with Dr. Hering to raise the next super-pigs and get their cells into clinical trials with humans.
Together, researchers and SPP are raising these genetically superior pigs to produce a large, thriving supply of islet cells. Compared to human islet cells, pig cells are less prone to rejection. They are also building the pig house of all pig houses. In research terms, the biosecure pig facilities. Philanthropic gifts are the only source of capital for the project and that's where you come in.
Check out SPP's donation page. Isn't this truly a great gift for that diabetic someone in your life? Already got them something? Make your donation in the spirit of a new year that may really hold new promise. It's exciting news on the research front, and if we're lucky, in a few years this may truly be the gift that keeps on giving.