Stem Cell Research: Honor Principles

George E. Goodwin (letter, July 10) challenges all opponents of stem cell research to forswear any treatment derived from such research. I accept his challenge.

I have been fighting cancer of the esophagus for five months and have plenty of anxiety about the eventual outcome. Nevertheless, there are principles more important than mere physical existence. This isn’t a purely religious concept, as it was recognized by our founding fathers, who risked “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” for American independence. If they had had our present attitude, King George III could have bought them off with a prescription drug plan.

Bob De Leonardis

Westchester

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In the articles about stem cell research the possible use of umbilical cord blood as a stem cell source is never mentioned. First thought to be useful only for treating children, cells from this source have recently proven to be successful in treating adult leukemia patients. Cord blood could provide a potentially much larger and more readily available supply of stem cells. It is critically important to thoroughly investigate all possible sources and not focus just on the controversial use of embryonic cells.

Linda S. Hamilton

Calabasas