Stem Cell Grants Awarded to Leading Researchers, First-Ever Oceanfront Park for the Disabled Opens

Leading Researchers Share Progress and Future Projects, Governor McDonnell Along with Local Officials Dedicate Park

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., May 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recipients of the 2010 JT Walk Stem Cell Research Grants were announced at a special ceremony Friday, May 21.  More than $400,000 in grants was awarded to some of the top researchers in the world to assist in their continued pursuit of a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and other diseases.  On Saturday, May 22, Governor Robert McDonnell officially opened JT's Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground for EveryBODY, the first-ever oceanfront park for the disabled.  Both events were funded by 2009 JT Walk & Beach Party results, the largest fundraising event in the history of the national ALS Association, along with local sponsorship of many business organizations including Amerigroup, Gold Key/PHR, Sentara Healthcare/Optima Health, and TowneBank.

"To see our family's vision become a reality is an amazing and overwhelming experience.  We want to find a cure for ALS.  And we want to make life for those with disabilities a little brighter.  By contributing to stem cell research and the creation of the park, we are able to help move possibilities forward," said Bruce Thompson, CEO of Gold Key PHR, Inc. and father to Josh Thompson, a local resident battling ALS.  "We are fortunate for the support and generosity of so many friends, family and community members, and appreciate their dedication every day."

The inspiration for the JT Walk & Beach Party and JT's Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground for EveryBODY is Josh Thompson, known by friends as JT.  An avid surfer, beachgoer, husband and father of two boys, Josh was diagnosed with ALS in 2006.  Josh had to turn his attention to fighting ALS, a frustrating battle few so young have to face.  With barriers to drug access and limited experimental treatments, Josh and his family converted their frustration to massive mobilization for the search for treatments and eventually a cure.

Stem Cell Research Awards and Grants

At an impressive gathering of well-respected researchers and scientists, grants were presented to a select group whose applications were reviewed by a grant committee comprised of local executives including members in the health care field, as well as friends and family of Josh Thompson.  During the ceremony, recipients presented reports on their research and shared details regarding how the grant money will assist their work to find a cure for diseases such as ALS.  

Grant recipients are as follows:

• Compassionate Care Grant, $10,000 awarded to Sarah Stein, ALS Association
• ALS Awareness Grant, $10,000 awarded to Dr. Richard Bedlack, Duke University
• Discovery Grant, $25,000 awarded to Dr. Earl Godfrey, Ph.D. and Dr. Jerry Nadler, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Dr. Roy Ogle, LifeNet Health
• The Foundation Grant, $75,000 awarded to Dr. Clive Svendsen, Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute
• The Hope Grant, $120,000 awarded to Dr. Jonathan Glass and Dr. Nicholas Boulis, Emory University
• The Josh Thompson Grant, $170,000 awarded to Dr. Jeffrey Rothstein and Dr. Nicholas Maragakis, Johns Hopkins University

JT's Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground for EveryBODY Dedication and Opening

The official grand opening of JT's Grommet Island and Beach Park for EveryBODY was attended by hundreds of supporters and dedicated by Governor Robert McDonnell, with participation from Virginia Beach officials, Congressman Glenn Nye, Mayor Will Sessoms and Councilman John Uhrin, The Virginia Gentlemen Foundation, major sponsors, and friends and family of Josh Thompson.  An endowment for the expansion and preservation of the park was presented to the City of Virginia Beach.  The park was first opened to persons with disabilities and sponsors, followed by the general public.  

Virginia Beach companies are responsible for the design and creation of JT's Park.  WPL Site Design's Billy Almond and Stacy Gibson provided the park plans and drawings, and Custom Structures' Tom Adams led the contracting work.  The park not only provides access to the beach but also serves as an ornamental setting and playground.  Among the key elements are handicapped-accessible play structures, special wheelchairs for the sand, soft play sculptures, shaded and non-shaded seating, decks and safe play surfaces.  Additional activities include surf cams, SWAY Fun®, talk tubes, sensory wall, Braille panels and sand tables with super scoops.

The park also features an original bronze commissioned sculpture of two boys (grommets) with

surfboards, titled "Anticipation," sculpted by well-known artist Richard Stravitz.  The thought behind the sculpture is that whether it's setting out to catch a first wave, or leaving the house in a wheelchair, each day presents a new challenge, a new opportunity.  Based on Josh Thompson and his brother Chris Thompson, the sculpture has the older grommet mentoring the younger one on the challenges that lie ahead.  

The JT Walk & Beach Party launched in 2008, bringing 5,000 participants from all walks of life together as one to fight against ALS, raising $1 million.  In 2009, support grew with more than 9,000 people joining the Walk To Defeat ALS™, raising $2 million, making the JT Walks the largest in the U.S. two years in a row.  

The 2010 JT Walk & Beach Party is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 3.  Information will be provided and updated via www.jtwalk.org.  

SOURCE JT Walk & Beach Party