Stories of Hope Videos

Watch as these Missourians explain in their own words what stem cell research means to them. We also invite you to submit your own video.

Christina McMillan

A breast cancer survivor, Christina McMillan is encouraged by the work of stem cell researchers. The California, Mo., resident hopes for a healther future not only for herself but also for a neighbor who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident and for others she hopes won't succumb to cancer and heart disease as her father and grandfather, respectively, did.

Ryan Waggener

Ryan Waggener was a competitive gymnast for 12 years after he saw Bart Conner in the 1984 Olympics. He worked to become a Missouri state champion and made several National teams. Ryan had Olympic aspirations for 2000 and 2004. Sadly, those dreams ended after a vaulting accident in March 1997 left him a paralyzed C4-C5 quadriplegic. Read more about Ryan's story here. In the video above, he discusses HOPE Summit 2010, which he and his wife, Erika, received scholarships to attend.

Bob Pund

Paralyzed in a car accident in 1989, Columbia resident Bob Pund hopes one day to regain his independence. Watch the University of Missouri graduate tell his story.

Phil Duncan

Phil Duncan received a heart transplant in June 2007, a surgery he hopes medical advances will make unnecessary in the future. Thats why the Kansas City-area resident supports the right of stem cell researchers to continue their important work.